Advanced Air Filtration to Boost Aerospace Safety

Q: How would you describe the scale of Filtermist's presence in Mexico, and how do you perceive the company's position in the local air filtration market within the aerospace sector?

A: Filtermist has had a direct presence in Mexico for 10 years through its distributor Hertool. It is one of the leading companies specializing in the installation and maintenance of oil mist extraction systems, primarily for companies manufacturing components for the aerospace industry. Filtermist does not just sell the equipment as an additional accessory for CNC machines; through Hertool we offer a comprehensive service that includes sales, installation, follow-up, and maintenance, allowing us to provide a complete and specialized solution.

Q: What differentiates the Mexican market from others where you operate?

A: In Mexico and Latin America, aerospace companies care for the well-being of personnel working in machining workshops. Our product, which functions as an accessory for CNC machines, supports companies that increasingly value working conditions. Unlike other markets where regulatory compliance is the main driver, in Latin America, internal company policies make the difference. For example, at Honeywell in Chihuahua, it is unacceptable for a machine to operate without its mist collector. Companies establish internal standards that go beyond even official regulations, prioritizing the health and safety of their workforce.

Oil mist extraction not only keeps the air clean; it also protects the machines and the environment. A mist collector prevents critical components, such as controls, from suffering damage or premature wear and also protects the facilities. If the mist is not controlled, it disperses into the environment, affecting the operator, impregnating surfaces, accumulating on the floor, and increasing the risk of accidents or even fires. 

Q: What productivity improvements can Mexican manufacturers expect by implementing systems like Filtermist?

A: Filtermist protects personnel and helps prevent damage to machines. By preventing oil mist from entering electronic components or controls, maintenance costs are significantly reduced. Serious damage can cost between 30% and 35% of the machine's value, even before it reaches five or seven years in operation.

Our equipment also stands out for its efficiency. It uses centrifugal impaction technology, making it easy to maintain and more accessible than other technologies available in the market, as it does not require replacement cartridges.

Q: How has Filtermist expanded its presence throughout Latin America? 

A: Filtermist equipment is made from 1045 steel and 304 stainless steel. From our warehouse in Monterrey, we ship to the entire national market. Over the past three years, we have also started exporting to countries like Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and others in the Caribbean.

About 80% of our sales are concentrated in Mexico, while the remaining 20% are  exported, primarily to Brazil. Costa Rica has increased its purchase of CNC machinery, for example, especially for the medical industry, such as the manufacturing of prosthetics.

Q: How have the recent US tariffs on aluminum affected Filtermist's operations?

A: The impact has been limited because our supply comes directly from Filtermist’s factory at its headquarters in Telford, United Kingdom. By not passing through the United States, we avoid complications related to tariffs. However, many of our clients have been affected, which has slowed down some projects as clients are unsure of how much they will have to pay in tariffs for other inputs. Fortunately, these projects have not been canceled, but instead of securing 100% of the planned investment, they have reduced their scope to 40% or 50%.

Q: How challenging is it to meet standards in the aerospace industry?

A: It is a considerable challenge, especially because many private companies, particularly large corporations, operate under internal standards that are much stricter than local regulations. For example, NOM-043 from the Ministry of Labor regulates the amount of airborne particles allowed in a workspace. However, companies like Honeywell apply even stricter controls.

In Mexico, the most rigorous audits are usually internal, imposed by the companies themselves. In contrast, in the European Union, the standards adopted by each company are more closely aligned with regulation.

The biggest compliance issues are found in smaller companies, many of which are not even aware of NOM-043 or ISO 45000 provisions related to environment and safety. Due to their size, complying with these regulations is not always a priority, or they simply lack the information needed to do so properly.

Q: What is the main challenge small companies face in meeting the standards of the aerospace supply chain?

A: The main challenge is willingness. When the interest is genuine — when companies properly implement systems, maintain them, and ensure continuity — the results are evident. These are the companies that manage to stay in the supply chain and expand their role in the industry.

Q: How have filtration technologies evolved to meet the increasingly strict requirements of OEMs, and how is this reflected in customer demand?

A: Each application is unique, even if at first glance they seem similar. What is essential is that the solution works for the client and stays within a reasonable cost range. Otherwise, there’s a risk of installing oversized equipment that does not match the real need, which generates mistrust. We believe in thoroughly analyzing each application to offer the solution that makes sense both technically and economically. We have a range of technologies that go from centrifugal impaction units to electrostatic systems and static media filters. What matters is that the investment is worthwhile, sustainable over time, and that the customer can properly maintain the equipment.

Filtermist recently celebrated its 55th anniversary. As part of the celebration, we followed up with long-time clients and found equipment from the 1970s still in operation. This is testimony to the quality of the products manufactured by Filtermist.

Q: How do you handle new contaminants in the machining process? 

A: Filtermist is in constant evolution, adapting to the industry's new requirements. The company is always looking for ways to improve its products and it works closely with leading machine tool manufacturers operating in the automotive and aerospace industries, to ensure its oil mist collectors are compatible with new machines.

Part of Filtermist’s strategy is to stay up to date with market changes and support its clients as they develop their products. Filtermist’s distributor network, present in over 60 countries, enables information sharing and helps the company quickly adapt to new demands.

Q: What are Filtermist’s goals for 2025 and 2026?

A:Through Hertool, Filtermist is focusing on Latin America, with Mexico as its base. Brazil’s participation as the guest country at FAMEX allowed us to exchange valuable information with clients from that country. We are developing new local distributors in Brazil, which has become a key market for us and we are starting to see significant growth from this relatively new market.

Our short and medium-term goals include increasing sales within Mexico and expanding across Latin America, with Brazil as a priority market.