Auge, quiebra y reconversión de la industria de electrodomésticos en España a la luz del Grupo Orbaiceta SA, c. 1950-1990. (Spanish)

The rise, fall and restructuring of the white goods industry in Spain. The case of Orbaiceta Group SA, 1950-1990. (English)

This article uses a case study to explore the birth and deployment of the household appliance sector in Spain during the country's major economic development between 1960 and 1975. On the back of this growth cycle, Orbaiceta SA became one of Spain's most dynamic and innovative firms. Brand reputation was achieved through the reinvestment of profits and aggressive market penetration. Once it had consolidated its position as the domestic market leader, the company launched an internationalisation strategy. It took over plants in financial difficulties, albeit with a high technological content. One fifth of its production was sold abroad. However, this expansion failed due to the economic crisis of the 1970s and early 1980s, exacerbated by the political uncertainty of the period of transition from Franco's dictatorship to democracy. Over-borrowing bankrupted the Group, which was bailed out with public funds. Following a process of industrial restructuring, the company was sold to the German multinational BSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este artículo explora la creación y despliegue del sector de los electrodomésticos en la España del desarrollismo a través de un estudio de caso. Aprovechando el ciclo expansivo de 1960-1975, Orbaiceta SA logró convertirse en una de las firmas más dinámicas e innovadoras. La reputación de la marca se consiguió con la reinversión de beneficios y una agresiva penetración comercial. Consolidada su posición como campeón nacional, la empresa lanzó una estrategia de internacionalización. Compró fábricas con dificultades financieras y alto contenido tecnológico. Una quinta parte de su producción se vendía en el exterior. Sin embargo, ese tipo de expansión falló por efecto de la crisis económica de los 1970 y primeros 1980, agravada por la incertidumbre política de la transición democrática. El sobreendeudamiento provocó la quiebra del Grupo y se resolvió con el auxilio financiero del gobierno. Tras la reconversión industrial, la empresa fue vendida a la multinacional alemana BSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economic History Research / Investigaciones de Historia Económica is the property of Asociacion Espanola de Historia Economica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)