On July 29, ENAP's Bío Bío Refinery celebrated 59 years since it began operations in 1966. This important anniversary not only commemorated decades of history and energy for Chile, but also reflected the silent and constant work of hundreds of people who contribute to the smooth running of the plant every day. Since 2016, Metaproject has been an active part of this collective effort, providing engineering, technical inspection, and operational management services in various key areas for the refinery. These contributions ensure that operations, maintenance, and construction processes are carried out in compliance with demanding standards, in accordance with ENAP's strategic guidelines and commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Commitment and excellence that build a relationship of trust
ENAP's Bío Bío Refinery is a strategic pillar for Chile's energy supply. With almost six decades of history, this industrial complex not only represents one of the country's most important infrastructures, but also an example of technological evolution, operational sustainability, and coordination with its environment.
In this context, Metaproject has had the privilege of playing an active role in various areas of the operation, including general services, technical inspection, transportation, food supply, and risk prevention, among others. This commercial relationship with ENAP Bío Bío has been built on a foundation of trust, professionalism, and compliance, allowing us to contribute both technical and human expertise to a demanding, dynamic industry that is critical to national development.
Julio Campos, deputy manager of services and contract administrator in the field, sums up this experience with a profound and committed perspective:
“In this experience, I have learned that Facility Services are not an ancillary service. They are a complex system that combines comfort, safety, mobility, food, and livability in an industry where every cog counts. We have been actively involved in the management of general services, inspection, risk prevention, food, and operational transportation—as established in the technical specifications of the contract—with a focus that combines excellence, responsibility, and proximity..”
Julio also emphasizes that this work is not limited to performing duties, but is part of an ethical and legal framework that guides every action:
“Our work also falls within a demanding ethical and legal framework, under the guidelines of ENAP's labor annex, which guarantees decent conditions and fundamental rights to all personnel from the first day of their contract. This reinforces an organizational culture based on respect, safety, transparency, and continuous improvement, which are the pillars of the work we do in complex industrial environments..”
What Julio Campos describes is not just a personal reflection, but also a concrete representation of the type of relationship that Metaproject has built with ENAP Bío Bío: one that transcends mere contractual compliance to become a strategic collaboration with meaning, responsibility, and long-term vision. This approach to work, which considers each service as part of the vital functioning of a highly complex industrial operation, also translates into the multiple areas where Metaproject has an active presence. Because in a refinery, nothing operates in isolation: everything is connected and depends on the proper interaction between people, processes, resources, and commitment.
From technical supervision to risk prevention, including food service inspection and internal staff transportation, each unit that makes up this comprehensive service has been designed to directly and efficiently support the plant's operational continuity. These are tasks that often go unnoticed, but whose impact is measurable in terms of on-site safety, staff health, the quality of life of those who work every day at the refinery, and shift punctuality. In each of these areas, Metaproject's stamp has been present, contributing not only with technical knowledge, but also with a culture of service committed to people and to the greater purpose of contributing to the country's energy development.
Safety and Prevention: strengthening the culture of prevention in the field
One of the fundamental pillars of ENAP Bío Bío's daily operations is occupational health and safety. The refinery's preventive culture is an integral part of its operations, and within this approach, the role of the teams that ensure compliance with standards, audits, and continuous improvement is essential.
Andrea Valenzuela, Technical Works Inspector at ENAP Bío Bío, works precisely in this area. Her main role is to oversee preventive and environmental management at companies in the personal services sector, as well as at contractor yard facilities. From there, she ensures the correct implementation of hazard assessments, preventive measures, and strict compliance with the standards and procedures established by the refinery.
In her daily work, Andrea performs multiple tasks, such as SSOMA management system audits, joint committee audits (CPHS), field inspections, semi-annual presentations with contractors, and analysis of sanitary conditions in accordance with Supreme Decree 594. She also monitors and follows up on incident and accident reports and actively supports Workplace Safety Analysis (ASR), a key tool for risk mitigation.
“The impact of our work translates directly into improved risk management in the field. Audits allow us to identify opportunities for improvement and raise the preventive standards of contractors. All this with the ultimate goal of reducing incidents and contributing to safe and efficient operations.” señala Andrea.
This work is also aligned with ENAP's strategic objectives, particularly the downward trend in accident rates and the goal of zero fatalities. To achieve this, its team works continuously to strengthen the culture of prevention through coordination meetings, planning, periodic audits, and rigorous follow-up on findings.
Food Inspection: guaranteeing well-being and quality of service
Another service provided by Metaproject at this refinery is the inspection of food services, a task that is equally essential for the well-being of personnel. This work is led by professionals who inspect sanitary conditions on a daily basis, check technical documentation, validate food vouchers, and prepare follow-up reports.
Linda Romero, the area's Coordinating Inspector, explains that the main role of this unit is to ensure compliance with quality, hygiene, and safety standards in the food service. "Our goal is to ensure that each meal delivered meets all requirements, not only from a nutritional perspective, but also from a sanitary and operational perspective. This has a direct impact on the health and morale of the staff, which positively impacts the continuity of operations," she comments.
Linda also highlights that one of the main challenges is maintaining and continually improving service standards, adapting to logistical and contractual changes. “We address these challenges with ongoing audits, constant communication with suppliers, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” she says., afirma.
For her, the most valuable aspect of this work is being able to contribute directly to people's well-being. “We are driven by the desire to do things right and to take care of those who work here. Being part of this team gives us the opportunity to have a real impact on the quality of life of ENAP workers.”, concluye.
Internal Transportation: logistics connecting the plant's operational areas
An important area of support that Metaproject provides to ENAP Bío Bío is the internal staff transportation service. This service allows hundreds of workers to arrive on time to the processing and logistics areas, facilitating the fulfillment of their shifts, scheduled maintenance, or technical inspections. Andrea Arias, driver for the transportation team, summarizes the main role of her area as follows: “Nos encargamos de transportar al personal de ENAP dentro y fuera de la refinería, llevándolos a donde necesitan estar durante el día”.
This logistical work has a direct impact on the plant's operations. “If we don't get the staff there on time, they won't be able to do their jobs and the refinery's operations will be affected.”explains Andrea. From a strategic perspective, his contribution translates into ensuring that each person is in the right place at the right time so that the operation runs smoothly and in sync.
One of the main challenges they face, he says, is maintaining and improving service quality: meeting deadlines, meeting the demands of the industrial environment, and responding quickly to any eventuality. “We approach it with enthusiasm and determination, trying to do our best day after day.He also highlights the positive work environment and good communication with other staff members as one of the unit's greatest strengths.
The collaboration between Metaproject and ENAP Bío Bío is not only an example of service outsourcing, but also a concrete demonstration of how well-coordinated, professional, and committed work can generate real value in an industrial operation that is strategic for the country. From engineering and technical inspection to transportation, food services, and occupational safety, each of the testimonials collected reflects silent but essential work that sustains operational continuity, promotes continuous improvement, and contributes to the well-being of those who are part of the refinery.
59 years after it started up, the Bío Bío Refinery is still a key energy source for Chile. And along the way, having partners like Metaproject has helped us build a work model based on quality, compliance, and a shared vision of moving toward an operation that's safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
