Colbún’s 11th National Supplier Conference brought together more than 180 companies in three cities to strengthen collaboration and align with corporate strategy. During the conference, key topics such as sustainability, contract management, safety, and customer experience were addressed. The event concluded with an awards ceremony honoring supplier companies that stood out for their performance and operational excellence.
More than 180 representatives of supplier companies participated in the 11th National Suppliers Meeting of Colbún, an event held in three different instances across Chile to facilitate participation and strengthen relationships with the supply chain.
The activities took place on May 27 in Concepción, for suppliers in the southern zone; June 3 in Copiapó, for suppliers in the northern zone; and July 1 in Santiago, for suppliers in the central zone.
The opening was led by Ricardo Carrasco, Corporate Supply Manager, and Carlos Santelices, Deputy Manager of Supply and Services, who presented the company's relationship model, highlighting the importance of building long-term relationships based on trust, collaboration, and transparency. The speakers reinforced the company's commitment to competitive and transparent supply processes, the development of local suppliers, and safety as fundamental pillars to generate shared value.
Sustainability: A Shared Challenge for the Entire Supply Chain
One of the central themes of the event was sustainability and its growing relevance in supplier management. Camila Gutiérrez, from the company ComeS, presented the sustainability approach driven by Colbún, explaining how ESG criteria (environmental, social, and governance) have become critical for organizational competitiveness. The presentation covered traceability, environmental and social risk management, and the need to demonstrate good practices to clients and interest groups.
Additionally, the Sustainable Supplier Development Platform of Colbún was introduced, an initiative that seeks to support suppliers in incorporating best practices through tools and training.
Contractual Best Practices for Long-Term Relationships
Karen Montes, Deputy Manager of Contracts at Colbún, addressed the key challenges associated with contract management and shared recommendations to strengthen the relationship between the company and its suppliers. The session emphasized the importance of understanding contractual obligations and maintaining rigorous documentation, as well as managing contractual modifications and guarantee administration to navigate operational changes effectively.
The Client at the Center of the Value Chain
Carolina Elchiver, Marketing Manager at Colbún, presented the company's vision regarding customer experience and the role suppliers play in value generation. The session detailed the structure of the Chilean electricity market and highlighted how every supplier, regardless of their specialization, contributes directly to the final experience received by the company's clients. It was emphasized that a client-centric culture is a shared responsibility among the organization and its strategic partners.
Safety, Ethics, and Future Vision
The jornadas included presentations on safety and crime prevention, highlighting the Whistleblowing Channel and the Crime Prevention Model of Colbún. Miguel Alarcón, Finance and Administration Manager, shared the main challenges of the energy business, highlighting the importance of efficiency, financial discipline, sustainability, and safety in an increasingly competitive environment.
Recognition of Outstanding Suppliers
As a closing for each meeting, Colbún held a ceremony to recognize companies that excelled in their performance, commitment to safety, and operational excellence.
Southern Zone
AGUASIN SpA: For its outstanding management in the maintenance and control of the Wastewater Plant at Central Los Pinos, contributing to operational continuity and compliance with environmental standards.
Northern Zone
Transportes Miramar SpA: For its outstanding performance in passenger transport service at Parque Horizonte, excelling in high safety, punctuality, and operational continuity standards.
Central Zone
Nicolaides: For its management in the operation of reverse osmosis and boiler plants, contributing to operational reliability and compliance with demanding quality standards.
Matrix Work Group: For its contribution to the supply of flame-retardant clothing, standing out for its commitment to service quality and the safety of people.
The 11th National Suppliers Meeting reaffirmed Colbún's commitment to strengthening a sustainable, safe, and competitive supply chain, acknowledging the fundamental role that suppliers play in the development of operations and in creating value for clients, communities, and the country.
