Private-sector companies push economy forward

Although the Chilean government has taken significant steps to ensure economic growth, the private sector has also had a considerable impact. Industries such as real estate and transportation have seen substantive expansion and are important engines of the economy as well as investments in the future quality of the ever-growing Latin American country. 

One example of a successful private company is Kaufmann, an automotive enterprise that is celebrating its 60th anniversary in Chile. It concentrates much of its sales on commercial vehicles such as trucks, vans and various types of buses.

“The commitment to our relationship with our customer does not end with the invoice, but rather starts there.” Alexander Kohler, General Manager of Kaufmann ------------------------------------------ “Government is creating the conditions for long-term growth.” Pedro Pablo Errázuriz, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications

Started in 1950 by German immigrant Walter Kaufmann, the corporation represents prestigious automotive brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Fuso and Western Star Trucks, providing its bus and truck products throughout Chile and within the region. 

A third of the commercial vehicles sold in Chile are sold by Kaufmann. Additionally, 75 per cent of all the business within the company comes from these commercial products.

Much of the success Kaufmann has enjoyed is due not only to the quality of the products, but also to its commitment to customers.

“We have a brand that sells quality products plus a post-sales service. The commitment to our relationship with our customer does not end with the invoice, but rather starts there,” explains Alexander Kohler, General Manager. “If a vehicle, truck or bus runs 300,000 kilometres per year or a million, then they need a partner to give them good support.”

This same high level of service is seen across the board in the private sector in Chile. Whereas Mr Kohler keeps the commercial vehicle industry running at the highest standard possible, Empresas Transoceánica is one of the country’s leaders in private equity investments, developing and innovating the real estate sector.

With over half a century of experience, Transoceánica is one of the leaders in its sector, committed to environmentally sustainable building while making significant investments in its community. Established in 1954, the company focuses principally on the real estate, hotel and tourism sectors, as well as the agriculture and logistics industries.

“Something that we have tried to promote in Chile is the development of innovative real estate projects, seeking new concepts for the country in areas such as architecture, design, sustainability and being friendly with the environment,” explains Transoceánica President Christoph Schiess. In fact, the company’s headquarters, located in the nation’s capital city of Santiago, is the first building in Chile to achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification, consuming about one-fifth as much as a traditional building.

Mr Schiess emphasises the company’s commitment to consistent superior work in each unique environment in Chile: “We have tried to adapt the architecture, the location, the services and the quality of our buildings in the best way to fit their surroundings.”