Hoshizaki equity-method affiliate Fogel inaugurated a new commercial refrigeration equipment factory in Villa Canales, Guatemala, on July 23, 2026. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and Japanese Ambassador Ryosuke Kuwana attended the ceremony and joined the ribbon-cutting.
The factory will have annual production capacity of 400,000 units at full capacity, 1.8 times the capacity of Fogel’s current factory in Mixco. It incorporates automated processes and is located near major logistics corridors and ports.
Construction began in October 2023, and the phased transfer of production started in March 2026. The transfer is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, when the factory is scheduled to reach full-scale operation. Fogel expects the facility to employ 1,200 people after the transfer.
Fogel aims to expand commercial refrigerator sales in Guatemala and across Latin America. Hoshizaki, which made Fogel an equity-method affiliate through Hoshizaki USA Holdings in February 2024, plans to increase its ownership interest to 51% and make Fogel a consolidated subsidiary.
