Today, reality contrasts sharply with those years of glory. Both record economic results with more expenses than income — an unfavorable balance for industries tasked with producing food and fulfilling state orders, such as milk supply in one case and compote pulp for children in the other.
Lack of raw materials and energy shortages appear to be visible causes of their financial decline, compounded by worker exodus, job interruptions, and frustration over undelivered milk.
The similarity in misfortunes took a turn when a new director was appointed to reignite Planta Libertad. They brought back someone who had already been there, breaking the saying that “second parts are never good.”
Since November, the industry has gradually reduced economic losses, settled debts with producers, and motivated the return of valuable workers — a positive outcome for a plant that had been closed for six months.
Rolando Domínguez, the director, has simply relied on the powers granted to the socialist state enterprise, especially those given to UEBs. Unlike many who underestimate self-consumption, Domínguez saw it as an opportunity. Lands cultivated by employees soon bore fruit for themselves, the community, the school, the hospital, and the municipality — because only a prosperous company fulfills its social responsibility.
Although still modest, Planta Libertad’s results look immense compared to its neighbor UEB Lácteo Colón, sunk in financial deterioration. By the end of 2025, its provincial company also suffered, one of ten in Matanzas with similar behavior — a more damaging situation since most are food-related.
In Colón, less than a kilometer apart, stand UEB Lácteo and Planta Libertad. The first cannot recover; the second is resurfacing. Companies with losses — or incompetent directors?
