From the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, around 80 textile colonies were established in Catalonia, representing a significant economic and social model in the industrialization and development of the region. The industrial colonies were located near rivers, as they sought to harness hydraulic energy for the operation of factories. In the 1970s, there was a crisis in the industrial sector, with the textile industry being one of the most affected in the deindustrialization process.
Nevertheless, there were companies that endured, and today, the hum of looms can still be heard. However, over the years and with the lack of interest among the younger generation to train in a craft, the future of generational succession could pose a concern for the industrial textile sector.
An example is TEXTIL TAPIAS GLOBAL, located in the colony of La Ametlla de Merola, on the Llobregat River, which today stands as one of the largest in its sector. With a stable workforce and a promising future, it has had to include in its brand relaunch and global project the ‘recovery’ of the textile artisan worker by hiring new profiles willing to train and, at the same time, ‘modernize and digitize’ its processes, in addition to investing in the best machinery on the market.
The forecast for the coming years implies a significant investment for the sector, that of seeking profiles and training to ensure its continuity. Simultaneously, for all those young people who want to invest in learning a profession with a strong territorial identity, such as industrial textiles, now is a great opportunity and job security.