Where silence also builds the future: a story of inclusion at Hitachi Energy’s factory

In a factory where sound has traditionally set the pace—machines, alarms, urgent instructions—there are stories built differently: in silence, with hands, and through new ways of communicating.

This is what is happening at Hitachi Energy’s transformer and metalworking plant in Dosquebradas, a town in Colombia’s Andean region, where inclusion has stopped being a concept and has become an everyday experience. There, the company is advancing key infrastructure for the energy transition, while also creating real opportunities for people with hearing disabilities in a country where major employment gaps persist.

This commitment becomes even more relevant within a strategic operation in which the company recently announced an investment of USD 80 million[1], strengthening both its industrial capabilities and its social impact.

“At Hitachi Energy, we seek to ensure that our presence in every territory contributes positively to society. Part of that purpose is opening real opportunities so that everyone can develop their potential, both in administrative areas and in operations,” said Daniel Bahcivanji, General Manager of the Transformer factory in Dosquebradas.

At this location, something began to change: signals that once could only be heard can now also be seen. Sensory alarms, adapted communication, and teams willing to learn a new language have redefined the way of working.

For Christian Jiménez, a painter in training, this change has been transformative. “Many times, people do not know how to interact with a deaf person, and that makes us feel excluded. Here, it is different: they want to learn sign language and understand our culture. That makes all the difference,” he says. Today, in addition to having a job, Christian also has a life project. “I want to stay here. I feel that I can build solid foundations for my future,” he adds. His experience reflects how inclusion shapes individual paths and transforms the way teams collaborate and connect.

Designing environments where inclusion is possible

In Colombia, according to DANE, only 20.6% of working-age people with disabilities have access to employment, compared with 60.3% of those without disabilities. More than just a number, this figure shows the urgency of moving from words to action. In line with this commitment, Hitachi Energy collaborated with Comfamiliar to complete an accessibility assessment, driving concrete infrastructure adjustments at the plant. The result: a safer, more accessible environment prepared for everyone.

Among the main actions are:

• Installation of visual emergency alarms
• Light signals and signage adjustments
• Interpreter support during training processes
• Training in Colombian Sign Language (LSC)
• Awareness programs to break down stereotypes

“The teams have welcomed their new colleagues very well. In turn, they feel like part of the company. Inclusion is something that is lived, and that reflects a key aspect of our culture: welcoming people without prejudice,” said Patricia Polo, Human Resources Business Partner at Hitachi Energy.

Beyond the physical adaptations, one of the organization’s greatest lessons has been strengthening its capacity for empathetic communication, adaptability, and teamwork. In this context, inclusion becomes a tool for innovating company operations. In line with this commitment, Hitachi Energy Colombia expects to welcome several more people with hearing disabilities by the end of 2026, consolidating a model built on equity, talent, and diversity.

Because in this factory, where noise has traditionally been synonymous with productivity, today things are also being built in silence—and with it, new ways of understanding work, inclusion, and the future.