Ondartxo – Ardantzabide

Companies located in this area:

• José Agustín Arbillaga (1899 – 1918; textiles)
• Astilleros Eraso, S.A. (1903 – 1925; shipbuilding / steam machines)
• Carmelo Unanue (1925 – 2003; shipbuilding)
• Balenciaga y Cía. (1919 – 1921; shipbuilding / steam machines)
• Julian Eguiguren (1948 – 1971; machine tools and other machines)
• Urpemak, S.L. (1956 – 2009; machine tools and other machines / engine production)

Mechanical propulsion led to a deep change in the maritime industry and helped to increase its output. This new propulsion system opened a new field of investment and innovation opportunities, and so, many entrepreneurs from Zumaia embarked on manufacturing steam machines and internal combustion engines. Starting at the beginning of the 20th century, this production gave birth to a relevant mechanic industry on which later economic and industrial development was largely founded.

Some companies combined shipbuilding and propulsion systems manufacturing. Carmelo Unanue S.A., for instance, kept the activity of the shipbuilders Astilleros Eraso, S.A., formerly settled in the same location, but entered on new activities, too. Thus, they built steam fishing boats, as well as steam boilers and machines, and they consequently became one of the leading manufacturers of diesel marine engines. In the first half of the 30’s, the company faced a reorganizing and growing process, as it started producing diesel engines under license of Moodag engines (Germany). Later on, in the 50’s, they were already on top of the diesel marine engines and industrial engines production industry in Zumaia, having a relevant position also in a state level, thank to the production of Duvant-Unanue engines.