The history of Xeal, formerly known as Ferroatlántica, dates back to the early 20th century in Costa da Morte, Galicia. In 1903, the “Sociedad Hidroeléctrica del Pindo, S.A.” was established to operate the Salto del Pindo, marking the beginning of a century-long journey in hydraulic energy generation. The following year, in 1904, “Carburos Metálicos” launched the first calcium carbide furnace at the Cee factory, producing acetylene gas for public lighting.
In 1922, the Cee factory began producing ferroalloys with ferromanganese manufacturing, later expanding its product range to include ferrosilicon in 1925 and silicomanganese in 1931. The company’s growth continued with the opening of the Dumbría factory between 1977 and 1978, dedicated to ferrosilicon production.
In the hydroelectric sector, the first hydroelectric group at Castrelo began operations in 1956, followed by projects such as the Carantoña and Ponte Olveira plants and the use of the Fervenza reservoir. These initiatives solidified the company’s presence in the Galician energy market.
Over the years, the company underwent several corporate transformations. In 1992, the Ferroatlántica Group acquired the hydroelectric plants and the factories in Cee and Dumbría from “Carburos Metálicos.” Later, in 2015, it merged with Globe Specialty Metals to form Ferroglobe. In 2019, Kehlen Industries Management, S.L.U., controlled by Sixth Street Partners and managed by Ithaka, acquired Ferroatlántica. Finally, in February 2020, the company was renamed Xallas Electricidad y Aleaciones, S.A.U. (Xeal), and in October 2023, it was acquired by the Czech group Energo-Pro, a.s.
Today, Xeal manages two ferroalloy plants in Cee and Dumbría and operates ten hydroelectric power plants in the Xallas and Grande river basins, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and sustainable development in the region.
For more details on Xeal’s history, visit their official page: Xeal History.