Much is said about the sectors driving the country's growth, and without a doubt, the agricultural and energy sectors quickly come to mind. Argentina seems destined for success, with reserves of gas and oil, vast stretches of fertile land, and, as if that weren't enough, in recent years, lithium has emerged as the new star of the global economy, a mineral of which our country is also a supplier.

On this occasion, I would like to focus on the energy sector, which employs many people and is often found in remote areas far from major cities. Oil fields, both on land and offshore, as well as massive dams that transform water into electricity. All of these are monumental engineering works with a large number of workers involved, both in their construction and operation.

Given this context, I set out to find a common thread among these impressive facilities in our country. This is how I came across Grupo L, a family-owned company with 100% local capital, which in 2023 acquired the local operations of the multinational Compass and absorbed its entire plant when the British company decided to exit the country. Sebastián Lusardi, Executive Director, chose to lead this new acquisition and, in line with the group's development and growth plans, created GL Support - Remote Sites, a business unit specifically designed to supply provisions and offer logistical solutions to these large industries, thereby strengthening the sector. "We are the only company that delivers food daily, even using unconventional means such as helicopters or boats, to clients in remote locations, even at the southernmost point in the world, on an offshore platform. In addition, we continuously maintain the provision and quality of our services, adapting to any conditions the challenge requires," said the businessman.

Lusardi kindly received us in his office and, while having lunch, agreed to answer a few questions for ABC.

Grupo L has over 40 years of experience. What have been the most important milestones that have marked the evolution of the company from its beginnings until today?

"It all started with my grandfather, Victorio Lusardi, who founded the first cleaning company in Argentina around the 1930s. In the 1970s, my father began shaping Grupo L, which was undoubtedly a significant milestone. With that entrepreneurial spirit and alongside my brother Nicolás, we began planting the seed that today is bearing fruit, as in the last decade the group has experienced consistent growth of over 10%. Our vision to diversify our activities was key. Another important milestone was the acquisition of Compass Group, a huge challenge that allowed us to expand further in Argentina. We added more than 3,000 people and over 200 clients to our portfolio, expanding our presence to 15 provinces."

With over 7,000 employees and a wide portfolio of clients, what do you consider to be the greatest legacy Grupo L is leaving in the Argentine market?

"Commitment to the country, without a doubt. We are the 30th largest company in terms of employment, the second largest buyer of fruits and vegetables, the third in proteins, and the fourth in dairy products and grocery items. As a triple impact company, we are committed to investing in social, environmental, and social economy development. Within this, we have programs such as 'Compre Pyme Grupo L,' which promotes the development of local suppliers through training, subsidies, and differentiated prices. We also always strive to work with suppliers that have environmental certifications. Every area in which we operate is an area we develop, contributing to the federal development of the country. Our community training programs and employment initiatives promote the integration of people with disabilities, among other sectors."

"In this way, we are a significant generator of local employment; for example, in Tierra del Fuego, we have over 200 local employees. It's important for business owners to understand the social role we play, acting as support in tough times and as a growth engine in times of economic prosperity."

What are Grupo L's expansion plans, both nationally and internationally? In which specific sectors do you plan to expand next?

"Nationally, we will continue to develop our operations to support each of our clients, being present where they need us. We have recently opened a plant and warehouse in Mar del Plata. Soon, we will begin construction of our logistics center and processing plant in Neuquén, in addition to strengthening our operation in Río Grande. As part of this growth, we are already advancing in the province of San Juan. The group's organic growth has been significant, thanks to the renewed trust of major clients and the beginning of operations with many others. Furthermore, we continue to focus on sectors such as mining, oil, and gas, which increasingly require the services we offer, leveraging our unique expertise. We are also looking at other Latin American countries as part of our next step in the internationalization of the group."

In a world where sustainability is key, what has Grupo L implemented to contribute to sustainable development and the well-being of its actions and communities?

"As I mentioned before, one of our most notable sustainable programs is our scholarship system. Each year, we grant about 700 scholarships to our employees and their families so they can continue their studies. I am convinced that education is a fundamental engine of change for the development of the country, so this program holds a special place in my heart. Additionally, we apply circular economy practices through the efficient planning of menus, proper food storage, and the use of excess or waste. In this way, we optimize food use, minimize environmental impact, and promote a more sustainable business model. We also strive to raise awareness among our clients about the importance of responsible practices in all aspects of our business activity."

Your company is a leader in integrated solutions for businesses. What distinguishes Grupo L from other competitors in terms of innovation and service quality?

"People. We invest in growth and place the client at the center of our operations. That is the key to Grupo L's success. In our sector, having trained, creative, and committed staff is crucial. We invest in our business, implement proper systems, technological tools, and collaborative management platforms. Today, we are probably the only company in the industry operating with SAP. Innovation in production processes comes from people and service quality. With so many collaborators throughout Argentina, it is essential to build a strong community to maintain the same standard of quality and excellent service at all our points of operation. In addition to having a presence in places like Vaca Muerta, the Piedra del Águila dam, and the Noble Regina offshore platform, we provide services such as cleaning, building maintenance, large structures and green spaces, and managing the gastronomic spaces of the Teatro Colón. Maintaining the same standard across all our business units, even in such diverse locations, is quite a challenge. I am convinced that it is the people who make this company and Argentina great. The sense of belonging they have is moving, as even though we have very diverse businesses in different places, Grupo L is a team that works as such, and the camaraderie within the company has allowed for such diversified and efficient growth over the years."