Versatility the Key to Staying Ahead

Q: How does the company remain competitive while keeping up with the ever-changing needs of the aerospace and automotive industries?

A: Much of our strategy as a group is to follow our clients. If their clients move to different regions, we move too, which is one of the reasons we are in Mexico. Our activity has been divided into manufacturing and sales and we plan to stay here because we are close to our largest market: the US. Being in Mexico allows us to take advantage of the USMCA and expand our solutions even further into Central America.

We have greatly expanded our aerospace operations in Mexico. To reinforce this sector, we host seminars, participate in academic projects and follow trends along with startups. We continue working with Tier 1 and OEM’s aerospace companies, such as Safran and Bombardier.

Q: What advantages does Axon’ Interconex gain by working in multiple sectors, such as automotive, medical, electronics and oil and gas?

A: Being able to move between markets has always been beneficial for us. For example, when the supply chain for automotive chips broke, the subsequent disruption in the sector that affected many companies. Our presence in different sectors allowed us to move to another market. We continue working in the automotive sector but at the pace that the sector allows in its current condition.

During COVID-19 quarantines, the sector that saved us was oil and gas. Mobility sectors were not considered essential, but we also made accessories for PEMEX’s harnesses, which allowed us to continue production. This versatility has allowed us to be in different markets and minimize the impact from problems affecting specific sectors. Furthermore, most of our solutions can be used in different sectors. The versatility and security that working in different sectors gives us has driven us to continue working in all of them.

Q: What are the main challenges that a supplier like Axon’ Interconex faces in terms of innovation and performance in high-tech industries?

A: The biggest challenge is finding the right people. In innovative fields, retention becomes difficult because many employees jump companies. In Queretaro, most of our activity is related to automotive manufacturing. As we build a talented workforce, new players in the state poach them. For that reason, it is key to have a network to retain talent.

Another big challenge is that Mexico focuses more on manufacturing and maquilas than on innovation and development. Solutions for the automotive and aerospace sectors often come from countries with more advanced equipment, so we depend on the US and Canada to enter different markets.

Q: What impact will nearshoring have on Axon’ Interconex?

A: We have had problems with materials that we cannot find in Mexico. For example, we were transferring a new product line, but the project was delayed because no company in Mexico produced the necessary components. The lack of suppliers in Mexico forces clients to bring these parts from abroad. At the end of the day, without a market or ecosystem, obtaining the necessary consumables is difficult and we simply become assemblers.

Q: Traditionally known as a manufacturing powerhouse, what is Mexico’s potential to become an aerospace R&D hub?

A: The country needs to invest money, effort, and time through the triple helix. We need the government to provide facilities and security, while academia helps with talent. This is the minimum necessary to ensure future business. Major aerospace investors also have to support this movement.

Q: How is Axon’ Interconex expanding in Mexico and what strategies will the company implement to achieve this?

A: Last year, we planned to create an engineering area in Mexico, which now has a product expert who has allowed us to mix sales and engineering to better understand the needs of the market. We are also better at visualizing the types of projects we can bring to Mexico.

Further work has to be done to motivate people, especially women, to get into the aerospace sector. We have to generate a good balance in the industry and motivate talent.

Axon’ Interconex is a French-based manufacturer of specialty interconnection solutions, including cables, connectors and other components. In Mexico, it supports aerospace and automotive companies with high-tech wiring applications.