The town council of Rute has recognised the entrepreneurial career of Antonio Cruz Luna, founder of CRUZBER, and named a street in his honour. Named Calle Antonio Cruz Luna, the street is the main thoroughfare of Polígono Industrial Las Salinas II, the industrial estate which houses the company’s facilities, making it fitting that CRUZBER is located there. CRUZBER is one of Europe’s most important firms in the manufacture of roof bars, luggage racks, and transportation accessories. The plaque was unveiled at a moving ceremony attended by local authorities and business representatives from the Cordoba province. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Antonio Cruz Luna’s three children, who maintain his legacy at the head of CRUZBER, as well as his wife, granddaughter, and past and present employees of the company.
The Mayor of Rute, David Ruiz, highlighted Antonio Cruz’s effort, dedication, and commitment. Capable of projecting Rute beyond its borders, CRUZBER is one of the main champions of the region’s industrial capacity. ‘Rigour, quality, excellence, and commitment,’ in the Mayor’s words, have made CRUZBER an international benchmark within the sector by transforming effort into an outwardly valuable project.
Gregorio Cruz, visibly moved by the recognition of his father, stressed Antonio Cruz’s enormous commitment at an entrepreneurial and social level in the town of Rute, which made possible the unanimous decision to name a street after him. He also expressed his gratitude to the more than 150 people who currently work at CRUZBER, as well as to all those who, throughout the company’s 60 years, have contributed with their daily effort to building what CRUZBER is today. Ana María García, President of Metalcórdoba, the entity that promoted the recognition, thanked the Cruz family for keeping Antonio Cruz’s legacy alive, stating that it represents “the best of the industrial spirit in Cordoba” and a model of “commitment, progress, dedication and humanity.”
Born in 1935, Antonio Cruz Luna demonstrated great entrepreneurial initiative from a young age, transforming his father’s machinery business into a mechanical workshop alongside his brothers. In 1963, now out on his own, he founded his own company, Construcciones Metálicas Antonio Cruz Luna, which would later be renamed CRUZBER, where he soon specialised in the manufacture of roof racks for automobiles.
During the 1960s, the company employed aeronautical engineers to develop CRUZ branded luggage racks produced from electro-galvanized steel and stamped aluminium for models such as the Seat 600, Renault Dauphine, and Renault 4/4. A decade later, the company was participating in international motor trade shows, producing new solutions for various transport requirements.
Increasing production needs led to the expansion of the facilities and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology in the 1980s, allowing for an expanded product portfolio in the 1990s, including a wide range of roof bars, luggage racks, ski carriers, and the first roof boxes. Gradually, Antonio Cruz’s three children joined the company in various executive roles, where they continue his legacy at the helm of CRUZBER.
For a number of years now, CRUZBER has established itself as one of the leading manufacturers of transportation accessories, offering a complete range of solutions, including roof bars and luggage racks for passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles. CRUZBER operates in more than 40 markets, developing and adapting its products to the specific needs of each one with its two product brands: CRUZ and FIRRAK.
The naming of Calle Antonio Cruz Luna in his honour, recognises the entrepreneurial career and contributions of CRUZBER’s founder, a leading proponent of the local economy of Córdoba.