Could you introduce Condor Group and its history in Argentina?

Condor Group was founded in New Zealand in 1975, and we expanded to Argentina in 1994, establishing our Latin American base of operations. We manufacture generators and air compressors and distribute industrial pneumatic equipment. We have another distinct business division that specializes in the reconstruction of industrial and transportation tires, but it is less applicable to the mining industry. 

We are heavily involved in both the mining and oil and gas sectors. Our generators range from approximately 50 kVA to over 2000 kVA. Our air compressors range in horsepower from 5 to 120, featuring both piston compressors and screw compressors.

Our time in Argentina has been marked by continued expansion. Over the past 30 years, we have exported to approximately 29 countries and have won various awards for industrial design from the government. 

What sorts of products and services do you offer that are tailored for the mining industry?

Our generators and air compressors have numerous applications in the mining sector, and therefore both of these are areas in which we directly supply customers. We also offer training sessions for maintenance technicians that are popular with mining companies. Given that mining operations in Argentina often take place in remote locations at high altitudes, we want to help our customers maintain and care for our equipment post-sale. We generally use John Deere and Scania engines, and therefore offer maintenance and repair training for these two lines of engines.

What synergies exist between oil and gas and mining?

We are a longstanding supplier to the fracking industry in Argentina. Just like mining, fracking takes place in remote locations in Argentina. Therefore, we recognize the importance of having reliable and long-lasting products for remote mining operations. We have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products to the oil and gas industry that are designed to operate in harsh environments. For example, all of our generators and our larger compressors are capable of remote-controlled operations and monitoring through a satellite connection.

One area where we notice a difference between mining and oil and gas is in how solar power is perceived. At present, solar power is less critical to mining. It is available, and we can provide it; however, mining generally requires a significantly larger electrical draw compared to oil and gas. That means that mining tends to prefer conventional power generation, rather than using battery storage and solar options that we offer.

What is it like to operate as an industrial manufacturer in Argentina today?

Importing componentry can be a challenge; this remains difficult even today. Our multiple overseas contacts, developed over decades, and close partnerships with John Deere and Scania provide us with assurance that we always have the necessary parts for the generators we supply. With these arrangements, we can successfully navigate through the difficulties of importing in Argentina. 

How do you evaluate the business environment today in Argentina?

Despite the easing of some controls, a gap remains between policy announcements and their implementation. As manufacturers, payments overseas can be complicated, so we have our own overseas trading entities that allow us to pay foreign suppliers for imports. 

Nonetheless, as a general trend, things are easing which will help with the importation of componentry. To continue succeeding, we must be competitive in terms of both the quality and price of goods compared to those found internationally. This does not scare us in the slightest. The best thing that could happen to Argentina is the opening of trading conditions.

Looking ahead into 2026, what is on the horizon for Condor Group?

The services side of our business is growing. Our clients have been very receptive to our training sessions, which go beyond simply supplying parts on-site. Companies are much more aware today than they were 30 years ago of the cost of downtime when equipment is not properly maintained, repaired quickly, or when parts are unavailable. To our clients, the support services we provide as a supplier are just as essential as the hardware we manufacture.