The Lucena City Council and the Association of Andalusian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Manufacturers (AFAR) have announced the recognition granted by Iberdrola to the city's heat pump manufacturing sector. This award, part of the Convive Awards under the Transformative Entrepreneurship category, will be received on September 30th in Sigüenza.
The mayor of Lucena, Aurelio Fernández, highlighted the longevity of this industry, with over six decades of history in the town, driven by entrepreneurial initiative and the adaptability of various generations. He emphasized that Lucena hosts Spain's largest cluster in this sector, combining manufacturing, innovation, and skilled employment, and positioning itself in a key area for electrification and energy efficiency.
Iberdrola's distinction also underscores the impact of this industrial fabric, which generates approximately 3,200 green jobs, and the importance of training, especially for young people in vulnerable situations. The mayor stressed the City Council's role in supporting local businesses, listening to their needs, and accompanying their growth.
For his part, Joaquín Alberto Peñalver, president of AFAR, noted that the award recognizes the entire cold and air conditioning sector of Lucena and its region, from the pioneering companies of the 1960s to those currently developing new energy-efficient technologies. AFAR, composed of 29 companies, exports its activities and products to numerous countries, demonstrating the industry's international projection.
The award ceremony on September 30th in Sigüenza, where AFAR will accept the award, will serve to bring Lucena's name and recognition to an industry that, after more than 60 years, continues to adapt to new energy and technological challenges.
