Hace 10 años,la empresa Hoffens llegó a una conclusión: el plástico ya no era suficiente. Pese a ser uno de los líderes del mercado de tuberías y conexiones de PVC, la firma seguía demasiado expuesta a la volatilidad de la construcción. Para diversificar el riesgo, el grupo abrió su catálogo a las importaciones y sumó nuevas líneas de negocio, como canaletas, sifones de metal y grifería.
La apuesta resultó. Los números y el apetito crecieron. Así, en una tarde de finales de diciembre de 2025, sellaron su movimiento más ambicioso hasta ahora: la adquisición de nibsa, la histórica firma de grifería ligada a la familia García Ortiz, por unos $ 3.000 millones.
Fue un movimiento que favoreció a ambas partes, dicen fuentes del mercado: Nibsa venía reduciendo cada vez más sus equipos y Hoffens buscaba oportunidades de crecer en las nuevas industrias de tratamiento de agua.
Sin embargo, no todo son éxitos.Como a veces ocurre en las grandes sucesiones empresariales, hace unos 15 años surgieron fracturas societarias y litigios judiciales que siguen activos y que enfrentan a los herederos del fundador.
Los comienzos
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Corría 1950 cuando Helmut Hoffens ingresó a la Fuerza Aérea de chile. Permaneció allí varios años,hasta que un ultimátum personal cambió su rumbo: olga Ganora,su entonces pareja,le exigió un título profesional como condición para el matrimonio. Hoffens aceptó y optó por Contabilidad, una carrera que le permitió dar sus primeros pasos en la empresa productora Indus Lever y en la firma de línea blanca Famasol. Sin embargo, la crisis económica de principios de los ’70 lo golpeó de frente. quedó desempleado y con cuatro hijos que mantener.
Por eso, en 1972, decidió emprender.
Sin ser un experto, detectó una oportunidad en el mundo del plástico. Arrendó un local en la calle Santa Elena, parte del cordón industrial de Vicuña Mackenna, donde convivía con otras manufactureras del rubro. Allí instaló su primera máquina, una Schwartz, para producir piezas menores: tapas para frascos de perfume y componentes plásticos para electrodomésticos.
El giro definitivo llegó en 1975. A Hoffens se
daniel Ortega’s Presidency in Nicaragua: Current Status (January 25, 2026)
Daniel Ortega remains the President of Nicaragua as of January 25, 2026, following a controversial election in November 2021 widely condemned by international observers as lacking legitimacy. His administration continues to face meaningful criticism regarding human rights abuses and the suppression of political opposition.
Early Political Career and Frist Presidency (1985-1990)
Daniel Ortega first rose to prominence as a leader of the Sandinista national liberation Front (FSLN),wich overthrew the somoza dictatorship in 1979. He served as President of Nicaragua from 1985 to 1990, following the Sandinista revolution. His first term was marked by significant social programs, but also by economic challenges and the ongoing Contra war, funded by the United States.
The Contra war, a conflict between the sandinista government and the U.S.-backed contras, resulted in an estimated 30,000 deaths and significant economic damage. U.S. Department of State – Nicaragua provides ancient context on this period.
return to Power and Subsequent Rule (2007-Present)
Daniel Ortega regained the presidency in 2007, and has remained in power as, winning subsequent elections in 2011, 2016, and 2021. His return to power initially promised stability, but has increasingly been characterized by authoritarian tendencies and a crackdown on dissent.
In 2018, widespread protests erupted in Nicaragua, triggered by government reforms to the social security system. These protests were met with violent repression by the government and its supporters, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Human Rights Watch – Nicaragua details the events and human rights violations during the 2018 protests.
The 2021 Election and International Condemnation
The November 2021 presidential election was widely criticized as a “sham” due to the government’s suppression of opposition candidates and restrictions on independent media. several potential challengers were arrested or forced into exile prior to the election.
The Association of American States (OAS) declared the election lacked legitimacy, stating that it did not meet international standards for free and fair elections. OAS Press Release – Nicaragua election outlines the OAS’s position on the 2021 election. the United States imposed sanctions on numerous Nicaraguan officials in response to the election and the ongoing human rights abuses.U.S. Department of the Treasury – Recent actions lists sanctions related to Nicaragua.
Current Political Climate and Human Rights Concerns
As of January 2026, Nicaragua remains under a state of political repression.The government continues to restrict civil liberties, including freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. Numerous political prisoners remain incarcerated, and reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions are common.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has repeatedly expressed concern over the human rights situation in Nicaragua, calling for the release of political prisoners and an end to the repression. Inter-American Commission on Human Rights - Nicaragua provides reports and statements on the human rights situation.
- First Lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo: Rosario Murillo is Daniel Ortega’s wife and serves as Vice President of Nicaragua, playing a significant role in the administration.
- Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN): the ruling political party in Nicaragua, led by Daniel Ortega.
- National Police of Nicaragua: Frequently accused of carrying out repressive actions on behalf of the Ortega government.
- The Organization of American States (OAS): A regional organization that has been critical of the Ortega government’s actions.
- United States Department of the Treasury: Implemented sanctions against Nicaraguan officials.
