Cobra Group Marks 80 Years of History and Leadership

On March 25th, in Madrid, Cobra Group celebrated its 80th anniversary with an event attended by José María Castillo, CEO of Cobra Group and COBRA IS; Xavier Huillard, Chairman and CEO of VINCI; Christophe Pélissié, Vice President of Business Development; and over 500 professionals who have been instrumental in the company’s success.

During the celebration, José María Castillo expressed his gratitude to both current and past teams for their commitment and dedication, which have been the cornerstones of the Group’s continued success. He also paid tribute to those who, though no longer with the company, have left an indelible mark on Cobra’s legacy. Xavier Huillard highlighted the significance of Cobra’s acquisition and emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving the Group’s global growth.

The event included a review of Cobra Group’s most significant achievements over its 80-year history. Initially focused on the electrical market, Cobra made its mark with innovative projects in pole impregnation and electrical installations, earning the trust of major companies in the sector. In 1979, it formed a key partnership with Telefónica, and in 1987, it became a pioneer in fiber optics in Spain.

Expanding its reach, Cobra Group entered the railway sector in the 1970s, specializing in electrification and catenary installation for High-Speed Rail lines, Metros, and other public transport systems. The company participated in landmark projects such as the Figueres-Perpignan High-Speed Line and the Haramain High-Speed Railway in Saudi Arabia. Recently, this railway segment has been integrated into SYNEOX, further strengthening the Group’s presence in this field.

Joining ACS Group in 1989 spurred Cobra’s geographical diversification, especially in renewable energy. Between 1990 and 2010, the company launched its first wind farms, developed the world’s first thermal solar plants with energy storage in Andasol, Granada, and built the Lesedi and Lesatsi photovoltaic plants in South Africa, marking its entry into the photovoltaic market. In 2017, Cobra secured 1,550 MW of photovoltaic energy in Spain and ventured into floating offshore wind. Today, it has developed over 30 photovoltaic plants and more than 60 wind farms, solidifying its position as a global leader in renewable energy projects.

In 2021, Cobra joined the VINCI Group, expanding its portfolio of energy solutions. In 2023, it inaugurated its first photovoltaic plant in Brazil and signed a transmission line contract for renewables in Australia, reaffirming its commitment to VINCI in the global expansion of renewable energy.