From a small garage in Medellín, this visionary from Antioquia built one of the most emblematic industries in the country. Today, at 106 years old, the country says goodbye to the creator of a history made by hand.
News Colombia.
Today the country says goodbye to one of its great industrial builders. José María Acevedo Alzate, the visionary from Antioquia who founded the household appliance company Hacebdied on the night of October 27, 2025, at the age of 106.
With his departure a fundamental chapter in the history of the Colombian industry closes, but the legacy of someone who believed that progress is built with work, ingenuity and social commitment remains alive.
Born in Medellín on August 2, 1919, into a humble family, José María barely attended sixth grade. Keep reading: The co-founder of Arroz Roa, one of the most recognized rice brands in the country, died
However, Since he was young, he had an inexhaustible curiosity to understand how the electrical devices he saw around him worked.. At the age of 16 he decided to study electricity by correspondence and, a few years later, at the age of 21, He opened his own repair shop in a small 25 square meter garage in Medellín.
“Twenty-one years, 25 square meters, one pliers and two screwdrivers were enough to get this great industry up and running.” Haceb recalled in his most recent statement.
With those tools and an unbreakable will, that young entrepreneur began to repair and then manufacture his own products.
What began as a craft workshop ended up becoming, over time, one of the most emblematic companies in the country.
A workshop that became an industry
Don José’s workshop grew little by little, driven by his obsession with quality and his desire to improve the lives of Colombian families.
In 1940 he was officially born Haceb Industriesa company that soon became synonymous with progress and trust.
His vision was not limited to manufacturing household appliances: he always sought to dignify work, offer well-being to his collaborators and create a business culture based on honesty and respect.
Its philosophy, focused on “do good”, was reflected in every detail of his company, from labor relations to product design.
As the decades passed, Haceb consolidated its leadership and expanded its presence to more than 20 countries, with an industrial plant in Copacabana, Antioquia, of more than 211,000 square meters and thousands of employees who continue its legacy.
Until a few months ago, Don José continued visiting the company facilities in his characteristic white Renault 4, reviewing processes and greeting the workers who admired him like a teacher.
A legacy of effort and humanity
Haceb’s statement confirmed the news of his death with words full of gratitude: “Although you are never prepared to say goodbye, as a company we say goodbye with our hearts and the firm purpose of preserving your legacy.”.
Federico Gutiérrez, mayor of Medellín, and former president Álvaro Uribe were some of those who expressed their admiration and condolences.
But beyond the public tributes, the true recognition is in the thousands of Colombian homes where a refrigerator or a stove bears the Haceb seal, a symbol of national ingenuity.
We regret the departure of Mr. José Maria Acevedo, founder of Haceb and great symbol of Antioquia’s industrial development.
Until he was 106 years old, Don José Maria Acevedo dedicated all his efforts to building a legacy that, more than a great company, is an inspiration for all… pic.twitter.com/6JtFl5bucJ— Proantioquia (@proantioquia1) October 28, 2025
José María Acevedo never tired of working or teaching. “I don’t drink, I don’t smoke, I eat healthy and I’m always aware of what needs to be done. It’s not good to stay still“He once said. That phrase sums up his spirit: that of a man who made work a way of serving.
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