Well-trained staff makes for a more competitive company. This is the maxim that has apparently guided the philosophy of Mercabarna companies in recent years. It has been reflected by the year-on-year growth in the hours the Training Centre allots to ongoing training for workers in precinct-based firms.
Javier de Paz resigned as chair of the public enterprise Mercasa in late December. Mr de Paz, who had occupied the position since May 2004, left his post to join the board of directors of Telefónica, the Spanish national telephone company.
Following a request from ASSOCOME (the Market Concessionaries’ Association), the health inspection point at Barcelona Airport will provide a service, on a once-off basis, on December 22, 23, 29 and 30. This is an extended service of this inspection point, which does not generally open on Saturdays or Sundays.
A new shop opened in the commercial area of Mercabarna in November. Inkjet-ton sells office materials and computer supplies, such as ink, toners, CDs, DVDs, etc. In the same area, after a period of a few months when it was closed, the newly renovated bar/restaurant TerraMar reopened under the same management as two other Mercabarna restaurants, La Pera and El Área.
Jordi William Carnes, third deputy mayor of Barcelona, was appointed chair of Mercabarna at the company’s board meeting held on 19 November.
One of the typical symbols of Christmas is the Nativity scene, with Mary and Joseph, the baby Jesus in the manger, the donkey, the ox and the angel. It is not quite so common, however, for these figures to be made of ice. This is what Nice – Hielos Torné’s brand – has devised. This company has been producing ice for the fish sector for 50 years and aims to use ice for new and innovative purposes.
The structure of the Mercabarna underground station on the future Line 9 is now built, opposite the precinct’s Access K and next to the Central Flower Market. On 15 October, Mercabarna management reviewed the progress made on the project, accompanied by officials from the company in charge of building the station.
The management of Mercabarna has again published the annual financial and activities Report. The Report contains the results for the 2006 financial year as well as a description of the most outstanding of the year’s activities within the Food Unit’s various sectors of activity.
On 19 September, Mercabarna’s telecommunications operator Al-Pi Telecomunicaciones, held a day-long session for presenting new telecommunications solutions to help Alimentary Unit companies.
The third Postgraduate Course in Wholesale Food Business Management, organised by the Wholesale Concessionaires Association of Mercabarna (ASSOCOME) and the Triptolemos Foundation, is due to begin on 18 October.
