Cooperativism had been a system with a long tradition in the Basque Country, but it was Mr. José Maria Arizmendiarrieta, a priest from Mondragón, who shaped the movement as we know it today. He did not consider human beings as instruments but as the basis and purpose of any social action.

In order to implement his theories, he turned to young workers from the area who knew each other as they worked in the same companies. Those who excelled at their jobs thanks to their professionalism, capacity and responsibility were selected. Likewise, he was looking for nonconformist and restless young people who wanted to change the established socioeconomic system.

Towards the end of the summer of 1962, the twenty men who would establish Poyam had been recruited, contributing 50,000 pesetas (300€) each and, in 1964, the 29 men that would found Ampo, with individual contributions of 100,000 pesetas (600€), were also selected.

Poyam began as an auxiliary workshop, manufacturing automation components and accessories while, on the other hand, AMPO, was, from the beginning, a steel foundry. Both cooperatives, with similar origins and history, shared a friendly relationship and a similar approach to business and cooperative issues.

Due to this, towards the end of the 1960s, the idea to merge both cooperative arose and on December 20, 1970 the relevant Assemblies approved the merger.

As a result, Poyam changed its activity and specialised in valves.

Many years have passed since those few idealistic youths wanted to change the socioeconomic system. Today, 500 people work at AMPO, a cooperative that does business with the entire industrialised world, and we still preserve the same spirit.

AMPO and Poyam: One team, one philosophy

AMPO S. Coop, the cooperative company in the foundry industry, and its Poyam Valves division, dedicated to the manufacture of valves, have now unified their experience and expertise, built up over many years of commitment with the sector, into one brand name: AMPO, thus capitalizing on the group’s work philosophy.

The choice of the brand name AMPO is a strategic decision, aimed at attaining a stronger, more unified company. It emphasizes the work approach which has characterized the company since its early days: hard effort, commitment and an outstanding human team, who strive as one to achieve the highest quality standard.

Our modern facilities, certified by the world’s leading companies, will continue to work in the foundry pieces, machined components and valves sectors, developing company philosophy regarding the future and innovation, a philosophy which has set this company apart.

AMPO takes customer service and personalized dealings as top priority. Together with continuous technological improvements this enables us to offer our customers added value: the perfect expression of our commitment.

Ampo believes in people, in the future. We invite you to grow with us.