The Cándido Hermida Group consolidates its position as a global power in the contract sector and an ambassador for Galician foreign trade in more than 80 countries

INTERNATIONALIZATION OF THE GALICIAN CONTRACT SECTOR

The President of the Xunta de Galicia, Alfonso Rueda, highlighted the importance of the Galician timber industry in international markets during his visit to the facilities of the Cándido Hermida Group in Narón. With a workforce exceeding 600 employees and a well-established foreign trade network spanning more than 80 countries, the company stands as a model of success in internationalization, innovation, and talent integration through dual vocational training.

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The competitiveness of Spanish companies abroad is exemplified by the Galician timber industry. This was confirmed by the president of the regional government, Alfonso Rueda, who visited the O Río do Pozo industrial park in Narón, A Coruña, to learn firsthand about the operations of the Cándido Hermida Group . During the tour, accompanied by the Minister of Economy and Industry, María Jesús Lorenzana, Rueda praised the company's more than forty-year history, highlighting its key role in modernizing the industry and positioning the region's contract sector internationally.

The leap into foreign markets is no easy task, but the Galician firm has managed to establish itself as a strategic partner worldwide. In this regard, Rueda highlighted the enormous demands of international markets: "Being a supplier to very demanding companies and projects around the world speaks volumes about Galicia Calidade . "

Beyond its export figures and international investments, the authorities applauded the nonconformist spirit of its founder and his undeniable entrepreneurial drive. The company not only generates a high volume of employment, but has also become a pioneer in its region by promoting Dual Vocational Training , a fundamental tool for ensuring generational renewal and long-term competitiveness. "We need companies of this size and prestige to be our allies ," emphasized the president, highlighting the importance of enhancing the prestige of industrial trades.

To sustain this internationalization of the economy , the president guaranteed that public administrations must act as facilitators of economic activity, reducing bureaucracy and supporting business growth. This support is vital considering that 94% of Galicia's productive fabric is made up of family businesses that form the backbone of the local economy and strengthen its export capacity.

Financing and institutional support for the value chain

During the visit, recent policies supporting the forestry and timber industry , a strategic sector for the transition to a more sustainable economy, were discussed . Rueda highlighted the economic boost provided by the new Forestry and Timber Industry Master Plan 2026-2028 , an ambitious project with a budget of €114 million and structured around 88 specific measures to propel the region to international leadership.

This funding package is complemented by the XERA-Madeira aid program , which has a budget of 5 million euros intended to encourage the use of this material in new construction, renovations and refurbishments, a pioneering policy in Spain.

“People need to see that wood, with current treatments and techniques and with companies like this one, has enormous potential, on par with any other construction technique or material ,” Rueda stated. As a demonstration of this commitment, the regional government itself will lead by example: from now on, it will require the incorporation of wooden structures in up to 20% of new public building tenders, thus boosting domestic demand and serving as a springboard for future international investment.