Mexico is Ready to Tackle Upcoming Manufacturing Demand: HT-MX

Q: How has the company adapted its services and business model after 10 years in the manufacturing industry?

A: Our vision and mission have not changed drastically in our decade of experience but our business model and way of working have evolved. We are closing gaps in high-level supply chains so high-tech processes and parts can be manufactured in Chihuahua. 

We used to go around neighborhoods searching for machining workshops that had the right material to temper but our capabilities have greatly advanced. Now, we craft equipment for the inside of airplane engine turbines. We have improved through certifications and by implementing better quality controls and higher value-added processes, allowing us to provide direct services to the aerospace industry. 

Q: How has the company increased its range of services to meet the growing demand from Mexico’s manufacturing industry?

A: We have faced many challenges and difficulties during this decade, from the COVID-19 pandemic to other countries not accepting Mexican manufacturing. These issues forced us to adapt and specialize in more than one type of process, allowing us to maximize our product portfolio to target different customers. 

We are seeing a constant increase in demand, especially in the aerospace industry. Thus, we are staying alert for opportunities to be key partners to companies that require heat treating services. HT-MX is in a really good position to take advantage of the industry’s growth. 

Q: How has the USMCA and nearshoring transformed North America’s aerospace industry? How is HT-MX tackling these opportunities?

A: We have seen the integration of the industries within the three countries, as the US and Canada are seeing the advantages Mexico offers. This has opened the doors for us to enter these global supply chains as key suppliers. 

Chihuahua has several manufacturing plants that understand the opportunities that the USMCA and nearshoring bring, so we have a unique opportunity to transform the Mexican industry and raise the quality of our operations. We expect that the impact will be even larger in the coming years as the results of the recently-implemented practices come to fruit. Thanks to nearshoring we are seeing projects move from Asia to Mexico and key players in the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors are turning to Mexico to transfer immense operations. At HT-MX, half of the projects that we are working on are from businesses that are coming from Asia. 

Q: What role does Mexico’s triple-helix play in boosting the Mexican talent pool for the aerospace industry?

A: It is impossible to transform the industry without the proper technicians, engineers and personnel, as it is unrealistic for companies to bring foreign managers to operate in Mexico. There is no problem with the talent pool available in Mexico but educational institutions have to align their efforts to the real needs of the industry. The sector does not need many aeronautical designers because we do not design aircraft in the country. What we do is manufacture, so we need manufacturing engineers. This alignment, alongside governmental efforts to attract investment, is needed to develop the industry in Mexico.

Q: What are the company’s objectives for 2023? 

A: HT-MX plans to grow by 35 percent in 2023 by adding at least two additional aerospace heat treatment services. We are continuously looking to create new partnerships with companies that are interested in nearshoring to collaborate and handle all their heat treatment operations.