Apen turns 35 and this is its story

In 1991, Amador Pernia and Jordi Deumal entered the world of technology with a very clear idea: to accompany companies in their first steps towards digitalization and make their daily lives easier. Thus, APEN Soluciones Informáticas was born.

Today, 35 years later, APEN has established itself as a leading company in Vallès Oriental thanks to a timeless combination: proximity, experience and an IT service designed for the real needs of SMEs.

To mark this anniversary, we sat down with its founders to review the journey: the beginnings, the challenges that marked each stage, the most important milestones and, above all, what it has meant for them to build a company that has grown at the pace of technological evolution.

How was APEN founded in 1991?

Amador Pernia—It was like a game. We were two young guys in our twenties and we got an opportunity to build a computer for a friend. Then more opportunities came up. We also received a grant from the city council for new business projects and, little by little, they started asking us for more services until now.

Any anecdotes from the early years?

Amador Pernia: —While we were studying, we would get some jobs and we suffered a bit until the client paid us, because we needed to have the money to be able to buy and then provide a service.

Jordi Deumal: —Besides, we were computer technicians and we had to learn how companies worked.

Amador Pernia: —Do you remember how much it cost to assemble the first computer? Two days.

Jordi Deumal: —Actually, it had some problems at first until it got up and running. And setting up the first network? I remember it was a coaxial cable network, PowerLAN brand. It had to be set up with a specific type of cabling, and at two in the morning, we discovered that they were missing some end caps at the end of the network, and then it started working.

Amador Pernia: —Now everything is much easier with the internet and before there weren't so many resources.

How has the sector and APEN changed in recent years?

Amador Pernia: —When we started, you could say it was the prehistory of technology. Technology was rarely applied across all fields until the internet appeared, marking a turning point and opening up a wide range of possibilities for its application in many sectors. And now we live in a different era with AI.

Jordi Deumal: —I remember when we started developing programs, I programmed and implemented them myself and provided after-sales service to clients. Eventually, with the team we had, it became impossible, and we realized that we couldn't manufacture everything ourselves; we could form alliances with other manufacturers, which is what has helped us grow today.

What milestones would you highlight for APEN during these years?

Jordi Deumal: —The milestones are more pronounced, especially in the early years, due to the changes we made in the premises where we worked. That's where all the equipment, storage, and resources were located. As a result, they gradually became too small for us.

—In 1991, we were in a 30-square-meter space for a year. The following year, for another year, we moved to a space on Bruniquer Street, between 80 and 100 square meters. And then we moved to Travesseres Street, which was a big change for us because of the unique nature of the space and its location. But that also became too small, so we moved to Font Verda, where we stayed for another 10 years, until we opened our offices in Les Franqueses.

Amador Pernia: —Perhaps this change was the most significant. It required a great effort due to the 2008 crisis, but it was a turning point in our growth. We improved the work environment by having larger facilities and a parking lot where both we and our customers could park.

What role has the human team played in these years?

Amador Pernia: —When we started on our own, we quickly realized that we needed more people to help us. In the beginning, there was one technician with me, we didn't have salespeople, just one person on the phone, and little by little, we brought in more professionals.

Jordi Deumal: —Human capital is truly the most important asset at APEN, and it's a constant challenge. Our team is what drives a service company like ours, so what we deliver are the services provided by our team. And our daily challenge is managing, nurturing, supporting, organizing, and so on. This is our most important focus, and today we have over 60 professionals on staff, along with numerous external freelancers and partners who collaborate with us.

What is the value that drives APEN?

Jordi Deumal: —Passion for what we do is one of them. We always look to build a team with people who love technology and who are driven, passionate, and motivated by the solutions we provide. But, in addition, another value that drives us is our close relationship with our clients, with the motivation that they can improve their work every day.

Amador Pernia: —Also, the trust and support we give our clients so they never feel alone. I believe these values are what have helped us move forward and get to where we are today.

What challenges do you see for the future?

Amador Pernia: —The challenges are complex because in the technology sector the most difficult thing is adapting to new trends and staying up-to-date with those that are coming. It's a continuous evolution.

Jordi Deumal: —Another challenge to consider is that we are getting older, while our team and clients are made up of new generations entering society and the workforce. Trying to combine experience with these new generations is proving very enriching, but it's quite a challenge to get the best of both worlds.

A sentence that sums up what APEN has meant to you these past years?

Amador Pernia: —We have been and will be the travel companion of our clients in the technological world.

Jordi Deumal: —From my perspective, I'd say that, apart from my family, it's been my life. We've given it our all.

We continue to move forward

Thank you, Amador and Jordi, for reminding us that behind every technological advance there are always people, courageous decisions, and countless hours of work. It has been a privilege to hear your story and celebrate these 35 years with you. Congratulations, and look forward to the next chapter!.