Its establishment in 1913, under the leadership of the brothers Segundo and Tomás Pinto, marked the path that Empresas Pinto has followed for 110 years. Now more than a century old and run by the fourth generation of the family, the Ecuadorian brand is focused on an ambitious plan to increase sales in 2024, supported by commercial strategies and sustainable practices that also have a social impact.

With production reaching 1,100,000 garments and 250 tons of cotton fabrics, according to its CEO Mauricio Pinto, the company achieves annual sales of around $14 million, they are focused on sustainable growth and have set a projection for 2024 that aims to reach $16 million in sales.

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“This projected increase is the result of our strong commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction, and we are excited about the challenge of achieving this goal,” said Pinto, who highlighted the role that sustainable practices play in the company’s goals and the San Miguel plant, located in Otavalo, province of Imbabura, where the company produces approximately 85% of its clothing, the remaining 15% corresponds to some suppliers in Peru and Colombia.

51% of energy comes from solar panels

The Otavalo factory supplies 40 stores where the brand operates across the country and plays a fundamental role in the company’s sustainable practice. There, last January, one of the main milestones of Empresas Pinto took place: the inauguration of the first photovoltaic solar power plant, where 51% of the energy comes from solar panels, reducing production costs.

In addition, a wastewater treatment plant was implemented that processes water for reuse, drastically reducing water consumption and water footprint by approximately 80 m³ of water per day.

51% of the energy that supplies the Pinto factory, in Otavalo, comes from solar panels that reduce production costs. Photo: courtesy of Empresas Pinto

For Pinto, the installation of this photovoltaic power plant represents a firm commitment to clean and renewable energy. “We are proud of their contribution to moving towards a more sustainable future,” said the company’s CEO.

The cost of the facility is part of the company’s strong investment in energy efficiency over the past two decades, which has contributed to reducing environmental impact and improving competitiveness.

‘Pinto has always maintained its base in Ecuador’

The company never left the country. Mauricio Pinto clarified this by referring to comments that circulated on the matter a few years ago. “This is a wrong perception that has no foundation. Pinto has always been based in Ecuador. (…) The idea that we have changed was part of the government’s strategy, but it is unfounded, and Pinto has taken numerous measures to clarify this confusion in front of the public,” the company’s CEO reminded.

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The company generates a total of 448 direct jobs, with indirect jobs coming from the company’s franchises that are not part of its corporate structure. “When you buy a Pinto product, you gain the commitment of many people. In 110 years, we have understood where we are going, but we cannot forget where we came from,” commented Pinto production coordinator Esteban Lafuente.

She also highlighted the company’s commitment to gender equality, ensuring that 63.31% of its salary is made up of women, and six out of nine management positions are held by women in 2023. Furthermore, she indicated that Pinto adheres to good practice according to SMETA audits, which focus on four pillars : labor standards, health and safety, environment and business ethics, strengthening corporate social responsibility, which has enabled the company to enter into commercial alliances with international actors, such as Disney.

Furthermore, Lafuente noted that Empresas Pinto remains at the forefront of global fashion trends, launching four collections a year to meet the changing demands of the market. They are sold all over the country, with stores in the most important shopping centers. For this purpose, the company has many commercial initiatives, such as renovation of rooms, islands pop with selected goods, and in September the San Marino location, in Guayaquil, reopened with a renewed image.