Diego Viegener: “Innovation motivates us and is part of our DNA”

The PV factory is managed by the Viegener family in Argentina. The multinational has its origins in the second half of the 19th century, when Franz Viegener founded the Franz Viegener II firm in Attendorn, Germany, and had the initials “FV” as its brand name. His son Francisco Viegener emigrated to Argentina in 1921, and that year he founded the FV firm. “The Viegener family has continued since then to lead the company, initially dedicated to the manufacture of valves and brasswork,” the brand explains on its website.

THE DUTY had the opportunity to take a tour of the PV plant in Pilar, which has a total area of ​​80,000 square meters (m2), which is equivalent to 11 soccer fields. It has 60 product lines, which supply the local market and 25 countries. In addition, the FV Group has developed the first industrial warehouse in Argentina that has achieved EDGE certification, granted by the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, to recognize sustainable constructions.

“We achieved this certification by achieving a saving of 30% in electrical energy, 29% in the use of water and 61% in the energy incorporated in the materials used, compared to the general construction techniques of the region,” said Diego. Viegener.

.Which maintained that caring for the environment and saving water are fundamental pillars for FVand “we are proud of this project, which represents a long-term strategic commitment to sustainability. Care for the environment is present in all our activities and in the company’s general strategy. They are committed to caring for water, and giving back clean air to the ecosystem”.

Diego Viegener, grandson of the founder, talked about some details of FV.

Can you tell us a little about the story?

Franz Viegener (his grandfather) came to Argentina from Germany and, after a first failed attempt, decided to start a business that was familiar to him, since his father was dedicated to taps. He started at home, establishing a tap shop and selling his products by bicycle around the neighborhood. He benefited from the knowledge of engineers he knew and whom he invited from Germany, which allowed him to integrate his experience in Argentina. Over time, the business grew and moved its operations to Pilar where we still continue to operate.

What feelings does leading a company with more than 100 years of history provoke?

It generates a deep feeling of pride, joy and also a great responsibility to continue working towards another centenary. It is essential to highlight that this is a team effort; I act as a representative of the board, but everything is done with a high degree of professionalism, enthusiasm and commitment at FV. The challenge is to ensure that this momentum lasts.

If you could talk to your grandfather, what do you think he would say?

I think he would be very proud to see the comprehensive growth of the company, not only in terms of the factory and the number of employees, but also because the DNA of this company has been maintained over time. We continue to operate with warmth, closeness and a family spirit, committed to a day-to-day life full of challenges, motivations and solutions to problems, enjoying teamwork and taking care of each other.

And what would the grandson say to the grandfather?

I would tell him that he was a visionary entrepreneur and that I am proud to hear so much about entrepreneurship today.

Through the tour of the plant and the showroom we have seen that innovation is very important for FV…

Yes, it is definitely one of our pillars. Innovation motivates us and is an integral part of our DNA. We focus on innovating in all aspects: processes, products and services, always with the goal of offering greater value to those who lead innovation. They started with taps, but expanded their offering with heating and hot water conduction… Our goal is to be present in homes, always with the perspective of implementing new systems and tools.