This Saturday, we held a very special event at our Lakuntza facilities to commemorate our 50th anniversary. More than 500 people — including current employees, retired members, families, and local residents — took part in a gathering that combined an institutional tribute with a festive and intergenerational atmosphere.
The central focus of the event was the recognition of retired members who concluded their professional careers at the cooperative, whose names were publicly honored before the SAKANA Group community. The most emotional moment came with the aurresku of honor performed by the Elai-Alai dance group from Lakuntza — a symbol of respect and gratitude toward those who helped forge the company’s history.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a full program of activities. Guided tours of the production plants were organized in groups of up to 40 people, showcasing the casting, machining, and painting processes.
An exhibition was also set up, featuring explanatory panels and representative pieces from the production process, along with a children’s area with inflatables and games, and relaxation spaces with snacks and live music. All of this contributed to creating a celebratory and community atmosphere that reflected the company’s values of closeness and cooperation.
In the words of Gorka Eceolaza, President of the cooperative: “We are not only celebrating five decades of history; we are celebrating the values that have guided us — cooperativism, collaboration, and the building of a community. SAKANA is not just a cooperative; it is a story written by all of us.”
