In December 2016, we brought you highlights of a unique project led by Star Builder GF Construction SA to help the people of Haiti recover from the destruction left behind by Hurricane Matthew. GF was commissioned by the Palms Apparel SA: an extremely dynamic group of investors in the country whose objective was to help lead a country-wide humanitarian effort. The hurricane’s damage struck at a time when the small country was still struggling to recover from a massive earthquake in 2010.

Charles and Jerry Fombrun, sons of GF Construction SA founder, Gerard Fombrun, are actively involved in the project, offering their professional services to help rebuild the country that has been home to their company since the 1960’s.

Their contribution has been one that is not measured in dollars and cents, but in square feet: they put plans into place to design and build a major free zone complex which includes 10 major industrial manufacturing metal buildings. The project, designated as the Digneron Industrial Park, will span over one million square feet and include many axillary facilities, such as a bank, a medical center, customs offices, a power plant, and a water treatment center. The cutting-edge design called for the highest quality materials, including cool white reflective standing seem 24 ga roof panels, efficient natural-light tubes, and solar panels for power efficiency. Once completed, this free zone project will create more than 15,000 much-needed local jobs.

Since the original post in December 2016, much has happened, including the erection of the framework for buildings 9 and 10, the completion of building 6 and near-completion of building 5. Additionally, the foundations have been laid for the administration and customs offices. The team at GF Construction put together a recent video to give everyone a look at the progress that’s been made – and the hope that’s on the horizon for the people of Haiti.