Coatings Boost Durability, Enhance Safety, Performance

Q: What are the main challenges Galnik’s clients face in the automotive industry, and how does the company address them?

A: There are five major challenges in the automotive industry, especially for Tier 2 companies like Galnik. The first is the pressure to reduce the automotive industry’s environmental impact, which drives the need for innovation to keep processes running and maintain a competitive edge. The second challenge pertains to quality and durability. Automakers are looking to increase corrosion resistance warranties, with some brands offering up to 15 years of corrosion-free performance. The third challenge is optimizing operational costs and improving efficiency in plants. The depreciating exchange rate has forced companies to be creative in reducing inefficiencies and focusing on technological innovation. The fourth challenge is continuous innovation. The industry is constantly changing with new technologies, platforms, and materials, so staying up to date is essential. Finally, flexibility is vital. Automakers' projections can change rapidly, and companies need to adapt to these changes to remain competitive.

Q: What is Galnik's main differentiator and what measures is it implementing to grow its market share?

A: Galnik stands out thanks to its over 30 years of experience in the market, which provides us with a competitive advantage through mature quality management systems. Technological innovation is an important added value. We are automating processes and using AI for data analysis, increasing efficiency. We also focus on sustainability. We are part of the Circular Economy System in Queretaro and are working to reduce our CO2 emissions by over 30%. We work with our business partners to incorporate new technologies and environmentally friendly processes, optimizing the use of resources like water and energy. We value our strong relationships with business partners and work to create valuable relationships that strengthen our market position.

Q: How is Galnik adapting to the growing demand for coatings for lightweight materials, such as aluminum and carbon fiber?

A: We are integrating new technologies to enhance the durability and protection of lightweight materials. For steel, in E-Coat we use the ninth generation of tin-free technology to improve protection and reduce thicknesses. We are also increasing our capacities with Electroless Nickel. For aluminum, we are installing dedicated lines for surface protection, using techniques that include passivation and chromate conversion. We also leverage our over 15 years of experience in aluminum processing to meet the requirements for structural parts and batteries in vehicles.

Q: What role does Galnik play in the development and application of advanced coatings compounds?

A: Galnik does not design processes but applies technologies developed by global leaders. We closely collaborate with these leaders to obtain the necessary licenses and approvals. Our technical team stays updated by participating in global forums and validating designs for agile manufacturing. We work closely with OEMs and chemical suppliers to ensure that our solutions meet the latest specifications and requirements.

Q: What coating processes does Galnik use to adhere to sustainability practices?

A: The European Union globally leads in sustainability regulations, such as phasing out hexavalent chromium in coatings in the past. Galnik has installed a state-of-the-art painting line from the European Union that complies with its energy efficiency and operational regulations. We also optimize each stage of the manufacturing process to reduce emissions and energy and water consumption. This includes adopting new technologies to clean at lower temperatures, contributing to decarbonization and supporting OEM sustainability goals. Our role is to contribute to these global objectives through the implementation of clean technologies and the development of sustainable processes.

Q: How does Galnik help manufacturers meet increasingly stringent emissions reduction regulations?

A: We have a decarbonization strategy that covers directly Scope 1 emissions. Additionally, for Scope 2 emissions we implement solar panels to use green and friendly energy. We first work with the technology, then with internal processes, and finally with automation and continuous improvement. Our decarbonization policy also includes the use of new technologies and alternative energies to contribute to emissions reduction.

Q: How do Galnik's coatings contribute to the performance and safety of high-strength steels in modern vehicles?

A: Galnik's coatings enhance safety and performance by increasing durability throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. We ensure that the safety and strength of the vehicle's structural components remain unaffected for over 15 years. We have also adopted cyclic corrosion tests to assess how coatings withstand the extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. These tests ensure that coatings maintain their performance under severe and changing conditions.

Q: What new materials is Galnik incorporating into its coatings?

A: We are integrating nanomaterials into our coatings. Although these technologies are not yet fully approved, they are being extensively researched. We are also researching coatings that offer self-healing properties, such as those rich in zinc and aluminum, which provide additional protection even under extreme conditions.

Q: How does Galnik balance the use of high-tech materials with cost-effectiveness in production?

A: Our strategy is based on innovation and having cutting-edge processes and state-of-the-art equipment. The key is to combine new technologies with a highly skilled team. We use an environmental management system to reduce waste and optimize resources, which increases operational efficiency and competitiveness. We also focus on reducing our carbon footprint and maintaining cost competitiveness.

Q: What are Galnik's medium and long-term priorities within the industry?

A: In the medium term, we aim to continue expanding our technological capabilities and improving our sustainability by consistently reducing carbon emissions. In the long term, we seek to consolidate a circular business model, expand our infrastructure, strengthen social commitment, and remain leaders in innovation.

In 2025, we aim to grow sales by 15% compared to the previous year and to reduce our carbon footprint by an additional 15%. We also plan to continue developing talent through our wellness program, which aims to positively impact employees and their families. We are working with the World Happiness Foundation to implement a model that fosters happiness and well-being in our ecosystem. This includes ensuring that employees and their families are happy and engaged with Galnik. Our Galnik Production System “GPS” is represented as a tree model, where the roots symbolize our values, the trunk represents our management systems, and the leaves symbolize our tools and processes that contribute to the company's efficiency and success.