IMPA, Industrial complex in Almagro, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
IMPA is a worker-managed aluminum manufacturing facility in Almagro that produces containers, trays, and other aluminum goods. The large complex houses casting, rolling, extrusion, and printing operations within its industrial buildings.
Founded in 1910 by José Mario Sueiro and Roberto Lineau, the company became IMPA S.A. in 1941. The government of Edelmiro Farrell expropriated it on 1 June 1946 by decree 15.990/46, and in 1950 it was incorporated into DINIE. In 1961, under Arturo Frondizi, it was sold to its workers, who turned it into a cooperative. In 1997 it was stripped and 140 workers were laid off; in May 1998 the associates occupied the factory and recovered the jobs.
The cultural center "La Fábrica, Ciudad Cultural" opened in 1999, and the IMPA Museum has run since 2010, showing the factory's history and Argentine industry from the workers' viewpoint. Radio Semilla and Barricada TV, on site since 2009, also broadcast from the building.
IMPA sits at Querandíes 4290 in Almagro, a few blocks from the Medalla Milagrosa church and within walking distance of Plaza Almagro. The entrance leads to the cultural center, the IMPA Museum and Radio Semilla, while the aluminum plant keeps working alongside them. Ask at the door which parts are open that day, since production areas and the school operate on their own timetables.
The site houses Barricada TV, a community television channel run by workers themselves. Additionally, the factory offers educational programs including high school classes and teacher training in multiple academic subjects.
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