The short version
- El Vocero reported the company invested more than $3 million to remodel, expand and modernize its main store and facilities in Carolina
- Sin Comillas reported the project includes a new showroom of more than 6,000 square feet, new product lines, an open-aisle hardware store and renovated customer service areas
- Both outlets reported the company has increased exports to Latin America and the Caribbean by more than 50 percent in the past five years
- El Vocero and Sin Comillas reported the firm employs more than 130 people across Puerto Rico and is now led by the fourth generation of the Donestevez family
Anniversary investment
Maderera Donestevez, Inc. announced an investment of more than $3 million to remodel, expand and modernize its principal store and facilities on 65 de Infantería in Carolina, El Vocero reported. The work, timed with the company’s 65th anniversary, includes a new showroom exceeding 6,000 square feet, additional product lines, an open-aisle hardware store and updated customer service areas.
The renovation changes the store layout to an open model that allows customers to browse products directly. The new showroom is designed for architects, designers, contractors, cabinetmakers and the general public. It will feature lines for kitchens, bathrooms, closets and finishes, expanding options for residential and commercial projects, according to El Vocero and Sin Comillas.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Carolina travel guide
What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Esta inversión refleja nuestra confianza en Puerto Rico y en la capacidad de nuestra gente.
Our translation: This investment reflects our confidence in Puerto Rico and in the capacity of our people.
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Vocero. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Nuestra historia demuestra el valor de la perseverancia, las relaciones comerciales construidas a largo plazo y el compromiso de nuestro equipo.
Our translation: Our history demonstrates the value of perseverance, long-term business relationships and the commitment of our team.
The source's own statement, as quoted by Sin Comillas. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Company background
Founded in 1961, Maderera Donestevez distributes lumber, plywood and construction materials. It operates five wood-treatment plants and maintains its own free-trade zone that supports exports. The company has grown from a small warehouse to a regional distributor, El Vocero reported.
The firm currently employs more than 130 people in Puerto Rico. Exports to Latin America and the Caribbean have risen more than 50 percent over the past five years. José Alejandro Donestevez serves as president and Carla Donestevez as vice president; both represent the fourth generation of family leadership, Sin Comillas reported.
Where the sources differ
El Vocero and Sin Comillas agree on the investment amount exceeding $3 million, the location in Carolina, the 6,000-square-foot showroom, the 50-percent export growth over five years, the employee count above 130, the founding year of 1961 and the current leadership of José Alejandro Donestevez and Carla Donestevez. El Vocero provides more operational detail, including the five wood-treatment plants, the free-trade zone and the shift to an open-aisle hardware model, while Sin Comillas offers a shorter summary that repeats the same core facts and quotes.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state the exact total project cost beyond “more than $3 million,” the scheduled completion or opening date for the renovated facilities, the number of additional jobs the expansion may create, or any specific new product brands or suppliers that will be introduced.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Multimillonaria expansión de Maderera Donestevez en Puerto Rico
- Reporting Maderera Donestevez anuncia expansión valorada en $3 millones
How we checked this
Both El Vocero and Sin Comillas reported the expansion announcement and the company’s growth metrics. Details on physical changes to the store and export strategy rest primarily on El Vocero while the family-leadership summary appears in both outlets.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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