Mr. Jacobo D. Kattan arrived in Honduras in 1914 and in 1920 purchased his first 20 sewing machines establishing the Kattan family’s first sewing plant called, “La Sampedrana”. The company expanded its operations to become the number one source of work shirts and work pants produced in the country. In 1965 the Kattans obtained the license to produce and sell garments under the “Van Heusen” label in Central America. As a result, the company “Van Heusen de Centroamérica” was founded. Over the years the Group continued to expand and in 1985 Manufacturas Industriales (Misa) was built in San Pedro Sula, and in 1989 the Inhdelva Free Zone, located in Choloma was opened. Since then, Inhdelva has grown to include over 20 buildings, with over one million square feet of manufacturing space, employing 10,000 people. The Kattan Group now includes 10 factories producing different types of apparel products, as well as providing special processes such as cutting, screen printing, embroidery and laundry services. Currently Mr. Gabriel Kattan Sr., and his five sons manage all the group’s operations.

In addition to the apparel business activities, the Kattans have also been involved in the promotion of private sector organizations, and social programs. Mrs. Julieta Kattan founded, in 1974, and still manages, “AdHonorem” the Committee of Friends of Day Care Centers, a committee in charge of promoting and maintaining day care centers. Carlos Kattan has been an active member of the National Congress for over 16 years. Jacobo Kattan was the founding President, and remains on the board of directors of the Honduran Apparel Manufacturers Association. Mauricio Kattan is presently the President of the Chamber of Commerce of Choloma, and President of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of Honduras. Guillermo Kattan served as President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of San Pedro Sula.