The "Neftalí Martínez" Spark Plug Company reaches its 55 years linked to an important stage of the industrial development of Cuba. It was inaugurated on May 17, 1964 by the then Minister of Industries Commander Ernesto Che Guevara and by high-level representatives of Czechoslovakia and our country. The parents of the sagüero martyr who died in the strike on April 9, Neftalí Martínez, whose name would bear the factory, occupied a place of honor.
In the beginning, its technological equipment of Czech origin was introduced with the aim of manufacturing spark plugs for internal combustion engines and for support workshops. From the year 1969, the manufacture of other products was undertaken, mainly spare parts for agriculture and transport.
The years of the so-called Special Period in Cuba also affected Neftalí Martínez, who stopped the production of spark plugs, replacing it with the manufacture of bicycle parts.
In 1995 production was revived and in 1997 the TAINO brand was changed to TAINO Special with the introduction of modifications to achieve compliance with international standards, including spark plugs with built-in resistance. Production of hydraulic and pneumatic hoses for agricultural equipment begins in 1999 and in 2000 for light transport. In the following year the spark plug container is introduced in ¨blister¨ together with the new brand PRISMA.
The PRISMA brand spark plug has reached the State mark of Superior Quality, Gold Medal at the VI International Fair in Havana, Quality Award at the 2002 International Fair and Quality Certification by ISO 9000-95 in the year 2003.
The Spark Plug Company has obtained countless achievements and recognitions, both for the outstanding performance of its workers and for the quality of the productions carried out. "... This will be an avant-garde collective" were the words of Che 55 years ago and today it is a palpable reality on the economic scene in Cuba.