Seizing Opportunities in a Growing Industry

Q: What have been Laser & Manufacturing's achievements and milestones from the past two years?

A: Laser & Manufacturing’s performance has been quite impressive. Despite the pandemic, we retained our team without any layoffs. We work in several industries, including automotive, which faced numerous challenges during the pandemic. We also diversified and opened a new division for design and architecture.

During the pandemic, we fixed the plant multiple times and had time to implement new projects. We ventured into Industry 4.0 and invested in engineers and equipment, providing us with a more comprehensive perspective. In 2022, we beat our results for 2019, which had been our best year. Finally, we are continuing to grow our aerospace department, which has become much more mature.

Q: How has Laser & Manufacturing implemented Industry 4.0 and what efficiencies has it brought?

A: Industry 4.0 principles have been successfully implemented at Laser & Manufacturing. They have allowed us to continue advancing ongoing projects. With a digitized and modernized floor, we have been able to automate processes, digitize operations and have better control over plant activities. Industry 4.0 has benefited companies large and small because it helps to reduce waste, improve efficiency and save time. 

Q: How does Laser & Manufacturing invest in equipment to offer state-of-the-art processes?

A: Since starting the company 13 years ago, we have always made sure to invest in high-quality equipment. All our laser machines are new and we only use premium brands to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our clients. Laser & Manufacturing has a reputation to maintain and we cannot risk letting our clients down by using less expensive and unreliable equipment. In addition to investing in equipment, we also regularly implement new processes and technologies. For example, we recently started using 3D printing prototypes and models, which is a less expensive alternative to machining devices with steel. We see a great deal of potential to add value by offering 3D printing as a service and the technology will help us internally to improve production and machining capabilities.

Q: How do you serve both the automotive and aerospace industries, given their differences in demands, as well as all the other industries you work with?

A: From the beginning, it was clear to us that we would be serving multiple industries, not just one or another. This philosophy has been integral to our company's growth and culture. Our team is highly trained and experienced in working across different sectors. We have dedicated warehouses for automotive and aerospace projects. The processes are similar but there are nuances in each industry that require different levels of attention to detail.

We have separate project teams for each industry but everyone is cross-trained to some extent. Our quality, sales and operational staff are all familiar with the different requirements of each industry. We have internal classifications for each client based on their needs, ranging from small to complex requirements. Ultimately, this has become the reality of our company's culture and we are equipped to handle clients from all kinds of industries.

Q: How does the company promote energy efficiency in its operations?

A: Last year, the state government launched the “Circular Economy System” program, which aims to promote sustainability and energy efficiency in companies. We were part of the second or third stage of this program, in which our continuous improvement and quality engineers worked to implement a circular economy project. Another team also learned about the importance of energy efficiency through the training provided by the state government.

After implementing these projects, we saw significant savings and realized that energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also generates cost savings and profits. We are proud to have participated in this program and to continue promoting energy efficiency in our operations.

Q: What is the outlook for the talent shortage?

A: It is a complicated issue. We have experienced situations where we train someone and then a bigger company comes along and poaches them. However, it also shows us that we are doing something right as a small company. If these individuals are putting our company on their CVs, it means they have learned valuable tools from us. But we also need to work to make technical jobs attractive for people again.

Q: What is the outlook for the Mexican aerospace industry?

A: The outlook for the Mexican aerospace industry is highly promising. Despite the pandemic, reports indicate that the industry is experiencing strong growth. Many US companies are present in Mexico, seeking specialized manufacturing services. To take advantage of this opportunity, we must prepare by having the necessary machinery, talent and efficient processes. Although it may not be easy, the potential rewards are significant and we need to seize the opportunity to establish ourselves in this growing market for the long term.

Q: What are Laser & Manufacturing’s main plans and strategies to continue growing?

A: Laser & Manufacturing's main plans involve improving our sales engineering process and communicating with customers in the US. We want to earn their trust by consistently applying what we learn every day, especially when quoting products. To achieve this, Laser & Manufacturing plans to focus on continuous improvement in engineering and implement new technologies. These efforts will ensure customer satisfaction and help attract new customers, leading to increased sales volume.