Luis Horcajuelo, chief executive officer of Visemar, a New York firm, ascended to the presidency of the autonomous association of marble employers during a period marked by repeated crises in the industry. He believes it is time for management to take a stronger stance in supporting this sector and to craft strategies that will steer companies back toward profitability.
Marble is among the most fragile industries in Alicante, and it remains the only major sector not yet returned to its pre-pandemic levels of production and exports. In light of this, what motivated him to lead the employers’ union now?
He answered plainly: in tough times, leadership is needed to drive improvement. Horcajuelo had served on the board of Mármol de Alicante for a decade, succeeding president David Beltrá, whom he regards as having done an excellent job in the past four years. He felt it was the right moment to take the leap and help the industry look to the future with more optimism.
How did the current situation arise?
Marble has endured a sequence of six crises over fifteen years, creating a highly complex landscape. It began with the construction downturn in 2008, continued with market difficulties in Brazil and Russia in 2014, and then China, once the primary buyer, redirected its imports toward other countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Greece, dealing a heavy blow. The industry also faced competition from new ceramic products replicating marble, shifting demand away from our white, gray, and black varieties toward others. The most recent shocks include the Covid-19 pandemic with transport disruption and rising energy costs, followed by the war in Ukraine, which added further strain.
So why did the industry suffer so much?
The precise data would require a thorough study, but it is clear that activity fell by roughly 50 percent since 2008 as many companies could not withstand the ongoing setbacks. The cost pressures from the pandemic and the subsequent conflict made many firms nearly unprofitable, as they could not fully pass through rising costs in their prices.
What steps are companies taking to confront this situation?
There has been a process of downsizing across the sector, with some large and medium firms shrinking, while commercial ventures emerged. Another avenue involves sourcing materials that align with current trends, such as artificial alternatives or marble imported from abroad to satisfy client preferences. Business activity has also intensified as firms pursue orders from markets worldwide.
Are the marbles mined in the province still fashionable?
Our color palette is not outdated, but trends have a longer shelf life than desired and can influence demand for an extended period.
What are the main challenges Horcajuelo identified for his term?
The central aim is to discover paths that restore profitability across the industry, as current margins are slim. Success hinges on strengthening the value chain. Over recent years, costs have risen sharply, and many companies have decided to exit when price increases could not be fully transferred to customers. The plan is to push for a strategic framework that rethinks the sector, outlines the lines to follow to overcome inefficiencies, and, above all, boosts company profitability, which remains the primary goal.
Do he feel abandoned by various administrations?
The association receives support from the Generalitat for internationalization, including participation in important fairs such as Cevisama and Verona. However, central government aid aimed at energy-intensive industries is a major expense for the sector, and marble operations have been excluded because they consume energy during both extraction and processing of the stone.
Will this exclusion affect the industry?
Indeed. He believes it is time for society to recognize black marble’s contribution to Alicante’s economy over the past fifty years, acknowledging that this is a powerful industry that has sustained the local economy for a long time.
What about Monte Coto quarries relied on by many companies?
There is a need to provide greater legal certainty through regional urban plans and a dedicated plan for Monte Coto to prevent unusual or adverse situations, which requires attention and coordinated action.
Recently, sustainability has become a major consideration for many productive sectors. Does this apply to marble as well?
Yes. Efforts include finding a suitable destination for clay wastes generated by the industry and concentrating idle quarry sites for restoration work. Measures are being taken to reduce the carbon footprint and promote more sustainable practices across operations.
Does the industry have adequate representation among different bodies?
Within the Valencian Community, Mármol de Alicante acts as an autonomous employer group, but there is no equivalent national association to coordinate representation across the entire stone industry. Negotiations would benefit from a stronger interlocutor with ministries and institutions such as ICEX to access available support. A preliminary mining code is under consideration, and the sector must be prepared to defend its interests and contribute as needed.
Mármol de Alicante is part of the Valencian Community Business Confederation, which has recently faced tensions with the Alicante State Labor Union. Should relationships be redirected?
Unity is the prevailing philosophy. Collaboration yields better outcomes than working in isolation toward common goals.
What are his thoughts on criticisms directed at business leaders by United Podemos, both nationally and regionally?
Political factions that frame businessmen as antagonists are seen as short-sighted. The economy functions with many players, and one notable example is Juan Roig, whose contributions to Spain’s economic and social health are recognized by many observers, even by those who debate the system’s structure. Horcajuelo believes constructive engagement is essential for progress, rather than criticizing success without a constructive plan.