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HEMAQ: Driving Innovation, Efficiency in Mexico's Industry

Benito Gritzewsky - HEMAQ
CEO

STORY INLINE POST

Sofía Hanna By Sofía Hanna | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Fri, 03/10/2023 - 10:44

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Q: What role does HEMAQ play within Mexico’s aerospace industry?

A: HEMAQ focuses on innovation and breaking paradigms to bring the latest technology to Mexico's aerospace industry. We aim to provide the best solutions and support to customers in their markets and territories. HEMAQ prioritizes productive and efficient manufacturing using the latest technology. Mexico is recognized as a global manufacturing powerhouse and we seek to continue contributing to the country’s industry.

Q: How have you merged innovation with tradition to earn client trust and loyalty?

A: Our core values guide us and within that, communication and relationships are key. We offer solutions, not just products. We follow through on proposals and exceed expectations, earning trust and success.

Q: What are HEMAQ’s main differentiators from its competitors?

A: HEMAQ’s tech centers in Monterrey and Queretaro build, run and test state-of-the-art solutions, from standalone machines to turnkey solutions, saving customers the expensive logistics processes of importing these solutions. Our flagship brand has almost 8,000 machines installed in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Our Atención Plus program, which started in 1994, provides 24/7 technical support. Our guaranteed program promises on-site support within 24 hours or it is free. We have over 170 team members to support these programs.

Q: What aspects should companies consider when bringing in new equipment to their production lines and how do quality performance and total cost of ownership factor in?

A: Total cost of ownership is critical when evaluating equipment for a specific application and environment. Quality and performance are also important, with uptime being a key parameter to consider. The lower priced option may not be the lowest cost over the life of the equipment. Customers should avoid getting swayed by price and focus on the benefits of the investment. Quality should also be a top consideration.

In the case of capital goods, making a decision based solely on price can be a huge mistake. Long-term analysis is crucial when it comes to capital goods. This means taking into account the availability of spare parts, support, the latest technology and the uptime of the machine throughout its life cycle. Capital goods are a long-term investment and should be treated as such. Even if a machine is only needed for a specific project, it is important to consider the long-term benefits of the investment rather than just focusing on the project duration. Therefore, it is not advisable to purchase a machine for a specific project and forget about the investment once the project is over.

Q: Does HEMAQ plan to expand operations into the US?

A: Our current focus is on consolidating our operations inside our current territory. We are fully committed to our origins in Mexico and Central America since 1988, and do not have expansion plans to the north at this time.

Q: How should industry players adopt the Industry 4.0 concept?

A: The concept of Industry 4.0 has been popular since it was first introduced over a decade ago in Germany. HEMAQ has been ready for this technology with its electronic controls in equipment and machinery. However, it is still our responsibility to educate the market on this concept. Many clients are attracted to Industry 4.0 but there is a need to understand what they hope to achieve with it. It is not just about collecting data but also arranging and interpreting it to implement effective solutions.

The technology has been ready for years but there is still a cultural barrier to overcome. HEMAQ has established a team to work on this issue. The investment in Industry 4.0 can only be successful if there is proper planning; otherwise, the investment will be lost. The data from machines can be easily retrieved and displayed on screens but the real challenge is what to do with all that data. It requires analysis to determine if a machine is operating correctly and what actions to take.

Q: How is HEMAQ contributing to the advancement of the aerospace industry?

A: HEMAQ has been contributing to the advancement of the aerospace industry for over 20 years. Over this time, we have learned a great deal and have understood the needs of the industry. HEMAQ’s processes, designed by Mexican engineers and technicians, have been successful in the country and in other parts of the world. The aerospace industry requires a different mindset and culture that is focused on quality and procedures.

Working with exotic materials is a challenge but HEMAQ has learned to break paradigms and make its processes more productive and efficient. As a result, the number of manufacturing and R&D sites for aerospace in Mexico has grown to 350, which is a tremendous number. Mexico has even been the No. 1 destination for aerospace investment and manufacturing for two years. Mexico is no longer a low-cost country but a best-cost country, which is a combination of many different factors, including qualified and trained labor. The most important factor is process development so that the person operating the machine can be more productive.

 

HEMAQ is a distributor and integrator of CNC machinery for high-precision machining and additive manufacturing equipment, with national and international support in sales, engineering and technical service.

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