The San Cibrao Industrial Park General Assembly 2026 marked the end of a historic era. On 2 October 2026, the Asociación de Empresarios Polígono San Cibrao held its Ordinary General Assembly, the last one chaired by José Antonio Rodríguez Araujo, who closed his eight years at the head of the organisation with a project track record totalling €100.8 million in infrastructure, security, mobility and employment. The rail freight terminal remains the major outstanding challenge: “Whoever is in government, it must be a priority for Ourense.”
San Cibrao Industrial Park General Assembly 2026: eight years, €100 million in projects
The review presented by the Association’s tenth president breaks down into €32.2 million in investment already completed and €69.1 million in projects under way or committed, to which the €20.5 million estimated in the preliminary design for the rail freight terminal, still to materialise, is expected to be added.
Rodríguez Araujo was keen to clarify the scope of these figures: “It should be said clearly: not all of that amount has been spent yet and, obviously, these are not investments made by the Association.” In every case, however, the organisation has played a key role: identifying needs, championing projects and maintaining dialogue with the administrations and bodies responsible to help them move forward.
Infrastructure: from the A-52 link to the expansion of the industrial park
Among the main milestones of his term was the A-52 motorway link, opened in 2020 with an investment of €21.8 million, which cut the journey to the motorway by more than 60%. The review also includes:
- The upgrade of 14 kilometres of the N-525, with €3.6 million.
- Works on the Ronda Este ring road, currently under way, with a budget of €8.9 million.
- The final section of the Ronda Este, 1.5 kilometres long and worth €12.7 million, whose tender was authorised this year and which will connect the Benposta roundabout with the N-525 and access to the A-52.
- The expansion of the industrial park, approved and funded, which will add 341,000 square metres of land with an investment of €17.8 million.
- The upgrade of the Barbaña wastewater treatment plant, awarded for €35.7 million.
- The renovation of the electrical substation, the secure truck park at the Ciudad del Transporte with 59 spaces, the installation of EV chargers and ongoing road improvements.
Security and employment: from 61 to 126 cameras and 413 job placements
The Assembly also reviewed progress in security and employment during the term. The CCTV network grew from 61 to 126 cameras and contributed to more than seventy police investigations. The First Response Service grew from ten to thirteen firefighters and from two to five vehicles, the Risk Map was updated and its facilities were improved.
On the employment front, the Integrated Employment Programme has reached its eleventh edition: during the term, 700 people took part and 413 found employment.
Rodríguez Araujo recalled that this progress came during a period marked by the pandemic, the transport strike, the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis, inflation and the blackout. He stressed the Association’s role as a channel for information, dialogue and support for businesses, and championed the unity of a business community whose membership rate exceeds 90%.
The rail freight terminal: the major outstanding challenge
In his closing remarks, the president focused his demands on the rail freight terminal, the main challenge he leaves to the next Board of Directors. He recalled that 90% of Ourense’s goods move through the San Cibrao business belt and its surroundings, and defended the infrastructure as a tool to reduce logistics costs, improve competitiveness and move towards more sustainable transport.
The Association drew up a preliminary design valued at €20.5 million and submitted it to ADIF and the administrations. The project has institutional backing but is still awaiting an effective decision. “Institutional support is important, but there comes a time when it must turn into budgets, procedures and works,” he said.
With the 2027 elections in view, he called for continuity in commitments: “The freight terminal cannot start from scratch every time an office changes hands. Whoever is in government, it must be a priority for Ourense.” He added: “It is not the project of a Board of Directors or of a party. It is a strategic infrastructure for businesses, for employment and for the economic future of the province.”
A 47-year-old industrial park with over 90% membership
In his farewell, Rodríguez Araujo acknowledged the work of the nine previous presidents and their boards, thanked the team that accompanied him for their dedication and the members for their support, and welcomed the companies that have recently joined. “No president achieves anything alone,” he said.
The president closed his speech by calling for support for those who will take over the leadership of an Association that is turning 47, in an industrial park with 61 years of history and around 400 companies. “Belonging to the Association is not just about receiving information or accessing a service. It means being part of a collective voice capable of defending common interests and sustaining demands over the years,” he concluded.