The roundtable discussion on local industry, held on the InfoTV set within the Municipality 2023 Forum, highlighted the critical need to make land available promptly to support the settlement and relocation of new businesses. The conversation gathered leaders from San Vicente del Raspeig, Crevillent, Novelda, and Xixona, who agreed on the importance of training a skilled workforce and streamlining bureaucratic procedures to foster faster growth and investment.
The mayor of San Vicente emphasized that numerous companies are eyeing the municipality as a base for operations. To accommodate this interest, the city is advancing plans to amend the General Urban Planning Plan to expand the El Canastell industrial zone by 600,000 square meters, aligning with the demand for more manufacturing and logistics space near key transit corridors.
Additionally, there is a push to retain researchers and entrepreneurs from the University of Alicante Science Park within the town, supporting the first collaboration that signals a broader integration of academia and industry.
The mayor of Crevillent underscored the role of new generations in sustaining the carpet and rug sector, noting ongoing innovation in materials such as steel and diverse applications like gardening, cladding, and decorative finishes in hospitality settings. These efforts reflect a commitment to evolving traditional crafts into modern production lines and new export opportunities.
From Novelda, the mayor highlighted the city’s central geographic position, which offers easy access to highways, the port, and the airport. This logistics advantage is particularly valuable in post-pandemic recovery, enabling smoother distribution and supply chains for local manufacturers.
Novelda reminded attendees that the industrial zone is nearing full development, with plans to add a 1.5 million square meter business park within the next year or two to attract a broader mix of industries and services.
From Xixona, the mayor recalled the city’s rise on the strength of regional products such as nougat and artisanal ice cream. Seven industrial estates host highly specialized companies, and more land has already been classified and prepared for future development, signaling a sustained momentum for manufacturing and related services.
The highest local authority announced at the Municipality Forum that there is an initiative with the National Association of Ice Cream Producers to establish a stronger headquarters presence and the potential creation of a research institute for artisanal ice cream in the coming years, expanding local branding and innovation capacity.
old cement factory
The discussion on the old cement factory noted that cement production ceased in 2008 and the land has since suffered degradation. Efforts are underway to reinsert this 200,000 square meter site into the urban fabric, guided by a university-led study to explore viable reuses and redevelopment options. The aim is to complete a broader transformation of the city’s landscape and align the site with long-term growth goals.
Mechanical
The shortage of specialized workers was highlighted, particularly the need for repair specialists in carpet machinery. The conversations included strategies to support industrial zones and incent entrepreneurship through tax deductions, acknowledging that while challenging, such measures are not impossible to implement in the near term.
outdoor shopping mall
Attention was given to establishing a new entrepreneurial center, transforming a traditional food market into an open shopping district, and leveraging heritage tourism. Modernist design and a welcoming town image were presented as central to Novelda’s strategy to attract visitors and new residents while preserving local character.
improve the road
The Xixona representative emphasized the need for upgraded, modern road connections to better link the town with surrounding regions, ensuring efficient movement of people and goods and supporting sustained economic activity.