Interview with Alejandro Plata and Adriana Cob from Plata Industries
Interview with Alejandro Plata and Adriana Cob, founders of Plata Industries, the Alava-based company specializing in large-format industrial 3D printing.
For those who don’t know you, what do you do at Plata Industries? What problem does your product or service solve exactly?
Plata Industries Works is the parent company divided into two business lines: INDUS3D, which has been operating for several years, and Plata & Co, which is still preparing to enter the market.
At Plata Industries, we specialize in the development, innovation, and execution of industrial and technological projects, using various tools and technologies like additive manufacturing through INDUS3D. On the other hand, we have been developing a prototype to create a versatile expedition vehicle capable of operating in all types of terrains and weather conditions. We expect to launch these extreme expedition vehicles with carbon fiber components by the end of this year.
We are the only 3D printing farm in Vitoria-Gasteiz capable of mass-producing a large number of parts without the need for plastic injection. We offer services from prototyping to serial manufacturing, with parts larger than 1m³, thanks to our own technological developments.
Additionally, we have various internal trades, allowing us to work with metal and composites. We can manufacture and cure high-temperature molds and parts made from fiberglass, carbon fiber, and more. We mainly focus on the industrial sector.
By having specialized in-house trades like welding, bodywork, and carpentry, we eliminate the need for our clients to look for external suppliers or rely on third parties. This integrated structure allows us to reduce lead times and complications, providing a more efficient and effective process for our clients.
We love solving complex problems and turning ideas into tangible products.
What specific problem or need were you trying to solve when you launched the company? Have you had to pivot the original idea?
Rather than solving a specific problem or need, we saw a market opportunity. Perhaps there was a need, given that this business model is still relatively new in Spain.
Regarding 3D printing, we have remained very firm from the beginning. However, when it comes to the vehicle business line, we have pivoted the idea, especially to align more with our true passions and to be realistic about the environments we fit into.
Where do you see Plata Industries in the next 2-3 years?
One of our goals is to continue expanding our 3D printer farm, offering increasingly technical solutions and increasing our capacity for mass production. We want to execute more comprehensive projects on a larger scale.
On the other hand, the expedition vehicle, which is now a prototype close to hitting the market, we envision it becoming a trusted and exclusive brand for extreme adventurers in both the national and international markets.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking about starting a business, what would it be?
Be prepared for some harsh reality checks and avoid being overly influenced by existing, seemingly successful business models (social media can be misleading in this regard). What works for one person may not necessarily work for you or in your country. Everyone should specialize in what they believe they have the most potential in and differentiate themselves by offering real value.
What has been the hardest and most satisfying part of entrepreneurship so far?
As with any emerging business/project, our first challenge was to get our name out there and prove the quality and value of our services, all while not generating much revenue. Over time, with a lot of effort and dedication, we have expanded our capabilities and built a more solid team. To this, we can add the investments we have made in machinery and materials.
The most satisfying part has been those moments when you step out of “autopilot,” look back, and realize how much you’ve accomplished and evolved.
What do people not see behind starting a startup, but should know?
Starting and growing your own business feels like constantly surfing waves. You will face new or unknown situations that can give you a mix of adrenaline and vertigo.
Although everyone talks about how having your own business involves a lot of work, there’s often no real awareness of the level of dedication and care it requires. If you stop nurturing it for even a day, don’t expect to reap the rewards.
The tip of the iceberg that everyone sees is when things start to go well, but behind it lies a deep level of commitment and sacrifice. This sacrifice often means missing out on time with family/friends or simply having time for yourself.
We always hear two common ideas: “If you organize yourself well, there’s time for everything” and “If you love what you do, it’s not work.” In our opinion, the hours in a day are limited, and pretending otherwise is self-deception. Also, as humans, even something you are passionate about can come with tough days. Denying this is toxic self-consolation.
Let’s not forget the financial side and the instability that comes with it for several years. Even if you have some savings, you should be prepared to see a significant cash drain. Everything you think costs X, actually costs twice as much, especially if you are developing something new. It’s also crucial to have a minimum level of financial education.
The bigger the company, the higher the risk, and the more control it demands.
If you could go back and start over, would you do anything differently?
Adriana: I would analyze the profitability or economic return of the time invested in something and plan strategies with a clear goal. The more you grow, the higher the cost of each passing minute.
Alejandro: I would focus my efforts more and close some fronts.
How do you balance entrepreneurship with your personal life? Do you have any routines, habits, or “tricks” to help maintain that balance?
In our case, it’s challenging to balance entrepreneurship and a relationship.
You have to be very clear about separating work from “normal” life. Often, we end up bringing work home, which can be unhealthy. We find balance by solving problems as efficiently as possible and not dwelling on the same issue for too long.
Adriana: Walking my dogs and exercising help me a lot, although I don’t spend as much time on them as I would like.
Alejandro: Since I have no personal life, I don’t have to maintain balance.
Fire Questions
Brand/company that inspires you:
Adriana: Banbu Zerowaste, BambuLab, Pagani
Alejandro: Koenigsegg
Quote that motivates you the most in your work: Failure is not trying.
If you could have a meeting with any historical figure, who would it be?
We can’t choose just one. We are inspired by women who managed to stand out in male-dominated worlds, those who fought for human rights, and brave people who challenged the beliefs of their time. Figures like Cleopatra, Hypatia of Alexandria, Galileo… It would be amazing to know what daily life was like for someone with visionary ideas, capable of imagining what was considered heresy at the time.
If you could go back to the past, would you start a business again?
Embarking on Plata Industries and entrepreneurship in general has meant choosing a high-risk path (especially in Spain), which has taught us many lessons and helped us grow in various ways.
We’ve sometimes wondered what our lives would be like if we had chosen a different path. We would probably have a more conventional job with a schedule that allowed for more control over our lives, but we doubt we would feel as fulfilled as we do now. Plus, every day here is different. It makes us happy to know that these will be the stories and lessons we carry with us when we’re old.
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