Zunibal becomes a Strategic Partner of the Athletic Club Foundation
Zunibal, a Basque company pioneering comprehensive solutions for tuna fishing, has taken another step in its commitment to the Bizkaia community by proudly announcing its new role as a Strategic Partner of the Athletic Club Foundation. Both entities, leaders in their fields and deeply committed to the Basque Country, are joining forces to promote initiatives that go beyond sports. This partnership, which extends beyond the world of football, strengthens the sense of belonging to a community defined by Basque history, culture, and passion, which both organizations have upheld for years.
Zunibal, like the Athletic Club Foundation, shares a strong connection with the local community and the region that has witnessed the growth of both institutions. This partnership is built on a shared vision of fostering community well-being through projects that promote social inclusion, culture, and sports, all of which are essential pillars for the development of a more cohesive society.
The agreement signing, held at the iconic San Mamés stadium, was attended by Jon Uriarte, president of Athletic Club Fundazioa; Johana Ruiz-Olabuenaga, director of the Social Area; and Ibone Rodríguez de Pablo, general director and shareholder of Zunibal, along with other prominent company representatives.
In the words of Ibone Rodríguez: “Our company, like Athletic Club, faces the daily challenges of a competitive global sector. Like Athletic, we find our strength in the community and in our commitment to Bizkaia, where we innovate, design, and manufacture, striving for a more sustainable and prosperous future for our community.“
Zunibal, which has championed local talent and technological development in Bizkaia since its inception, approaches these endeavors with the same passion and determination that Athletic Club demonstrates on the field, while adhering to the shared principles of both institutions: a firm commitment to the talent of Euskal Herria and the values of teamwork, community, and sustainability.
San Mamés and Athletic Club are true symbols of Basque culture, pride, and identity. This agreement reinforces that symbolism, integrating Zunibal into this vision, which extends beyond sports and business. San Mamés, known as “The Cathedral,” is the heart of Bilbao and a living testament to the values of tradition, effort, and community that define the region. In a similar way, Zunibal has become a key player in the local business fabric, standing out not only for its innovation but also for its commitment to the future of the Basque Country.
As Alex Iglesias put it: “Being part of Athletic is not just a passion, it’s a way of life. That sense of belonging, loyalty, and commitment is something we experience both in football and at Zunibal. I’ve been working here for 25 years, almost as long as I’ve been an Athletic Club member, and in both places, we are like a family, where loyalty and daily effort are what truly matter. I love being part of a company that, like my Athletic Club, supports its people and its values.”
This agreement between Zunibal and the Athletic Club Foundation marks the beginning of a collaboration that promises to enrich the lives of the Basque community and ensure that the legacy of innovation, tradition, and pride continues to flourish for many years to come.