Fogel (headquartered in the Republic of Panama), a commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturer and equity-method affiliate of Hoshizaki Corporation (Head office: Toyoake, Aichi, Japan; President & CEO: Yasuhiro Kobayashi; hereafter “Hoshizaki”), has constructed a new factory in Villa Canales, Guatemala Department, Republic of Guatemala. An inauguration ceremony was held at the factory on July 23, 2026 (local time). Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and Japanese Ambassador to Guatemala Ryosuke Kuwana attended the ceremony and took part in the ribbon-cutting. Afterward, the invited guests toured the new factory. The inauguration was celebrated by Fogel executives, Hoshizaki President & CEO Yasuhiro Kobayashi, and distinguished guests.
Fogel is one of Latin America’s leading manufacturers of commercial refrigeration equipment. It operates a manufacturing facility in Guatemala and maintains sales and service locations across Latin America. In February 2024, Hoshizaki made Fogel an equity-method affiliate through its consolidated subsidiary, Hoshizaki USA Holdings, Inc.
The new factory incorporates state-of-the-art technology and automated processes. Through its partnership with Hoshizaki, Fogel will manufacture commercial refrigeration equipment that combines advanced technological capabilities with international competitiveness. The factory will have an annual production capacity of 400,000 units—1.8 times the capacity of the current factory in Mixco, Guatemala Department. It is strategically located with convenient access to major logistics corridors and ports. Construction began in October 2023, and the phased transfer of production from the current factory began in March 2026. The transfer is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, when the new factory is scheduled to reach full-scale operation. By enhancing and expanding its production capacity at the new factory, Fogel aims to increase sales not only in Guatemala but across Latin America.
Hoshizaki plans to acquire additional shares in Fogel, increasing its ownership interest to 51%, and to make Fogel a consolidated subsidiary.
Overview of Fogel's new factory
| Location | Villa Canales, Guatemala department, Republic of Guatemala |
| Production capacity | 400,000 units per year (at full capacity) |
| Number of factory employees | 1,200 (after the production transfer) |
| Start of operation | March 2026 |
The information presented here is current as of the time of announcement. Please note that it may differ from the latest information.
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