Texmaquila in Colombia cuts energy use by 60%

Colombia Environment

60%

Lower energy consumption

120

Solar panels installed

100

Personal fans no longer needed

20%

More efficient compressed air generation

When PUM expert Otto Krediet returned to Colombian jeans manufacturer Texmaquila more than a year after completing his project, the impact of the collaboration was immediately visible. New equipment and solar panels showed that the company had implemented the recommendations. Texmaquila has improved working conditions, reduced its environmental footprint and lowered operating costs. A powerful example of how practical expertise can contribute to a structurally better future: socially, ecologically and economically.

Based in Medellín, Texmaquila has more than 28 years of experience producing and finishing jeans for well-known Colombian fashion brands. As the company looked ahead to the future, it wanted to strengthen its position as a sustainable manufacturer. Reducing energy consumption, embedding sustainability throughout the organisation and creating a better working environment for employees were among its key ambitions. To support this transition, Texmaquila turned to PUM.

The collaboration started with a remote advisory project, followed by a visit on location in 2025. Together with the management team, Otto Krediet analysed the company’s energy consumption and production processes, identifying practical opportunities to improve efficiency while maintaining productivity and product quality.

Practical improvements with lasting impact

Rather than recommending one major investment, Otto identified a series of practical improvements. Together, these measures could significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs, while creating a more comfortable working environment.

He recommended replacing the compressed-air system with a more energy-efficient variable-speed compressor and reducing losses in the compressed-air network. He also advised replacing the electric-and-steam irons with steam-only models and upgrading the burner of the steam boiler. To improve working conditions, Otto suggested creating additional openings in the building to increase natural ventilation. This would reduce the need for personal fans while creating a more comfortable indoor climate for employees. Finally, he recommended investing in solar panels to generate renewable energy on site.

A return visit confirms the results

When Otto returned to Colombia in July 2026 for another PUM project, he visited Texmaquila and the results were immediately visible.

Texmaquila installed a new variable-speed compressor and replaced the compressed-air network, reducing the energy needed to generate compressed air by at least 20%. Electric-and-steam irons were replaced by steam-only models, saving around 900 watts per iron while making them lighter and easier to use. The burner of the steam boiler was upgraded, and 120 solar panels were installed. The measures to improve natural ventilation also proved highly effective. By creating additional openings in the building, the company was able to eliminate around 100 of its 150 personal fans. This not only reduced electricity consumption but also created a more comfortable indoor climate for employees.

Together, these improvements reduced Texmaquila’s total energy consumption by an impressive 60% in just over one year. Otto: “This project is an inspiring example for other Colombian entrepreneurs. During recent presentations to new PUM clients, I shared this story to demonstrate how practical sustainability measures can improve business performance while contributing to a better working environment and a lower environmental footprint.”

Jaime Garcia

General Manager, Texmaquila

“We followed the expert’s recommendation to the letter. The results exceeded our expectations. Our total energy consumption has decreased significantly, and we are proud to be a more sustainable company today.”