In an important event on July 12, 2004, attended by the business community, government officials and the larger customers of Cartonera Centroamericana, Mr. Henry Yarhi, CEO of Grupo Sigma/Q invited the Minister of Economy, Lic. Yolanda Mayora de Gavidia, to inaugurate the new production line of die-cut corrugated boxes, that can produce 5-color printed boxes at high speeds. The machine is a Martin equipment of French origin and uses technology which is the first to be installed in Central America. 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Yarhi said: If we talk about growth, Cartonera is celebrating today an important addition. With this investment, it does not only increase its production capacity but also improves its efficiency and quality. Furthermore, Cartonera will be able to produce innovative products that have been under development for the benefit of the Salvadorean and Central American markets.

The Minister of Economy stated that with the new production line the company will not only increase the number of jobs as well as the hope for many Salvadoreans, but also positions itself at the forefront of investments in leading-edge technologies associated to the corrugated carton plants at world level.

The important issue with this new production line, according to de Gavidia, is that it not only becomes a means for technology transfer, given that the investment is unique in the region, but also as the means to support many families.

The Minister added that the strength, experience and professionalism of the people of Grupo Sigma, with more than 30 years of experience serving important internationally-recognized brands, has led them to entrench themselves in the market and to make optimal use of the Free Trade Agreements negotiated by El Salvador.

The government official said that Grupo Sigma is the undisputable regional leader in innovation and development of packaging, given that it owns 13 plants in Central America, as well as sales and distribution offices in Europe, Mexico, Central and South America. 

Founded in 1959, Cartonera Centroamericana was the first corrugator plant established in Central America. Its first customers were the banana-exporting companies, as well as companies like ADOC and LIDO. Currently, Cartonera supplied the Central American market in  the following sectors: agricultural industry, processed foods, candies, bread producer, fast food, detergent soaps and toothpastes. Cartonera also exports to Belice and the Caribbean and is working on exports to the Mexican market.