Integrating Workers Into Automation: Upskilling for the Future

Q: What is Mitsubishi’s outlook for the energy market, considering the slow investment and growth in recent years?     

A: We are in the process of relaunching our offering. A key step in this effort has been finalizing the certification of our products under Mexico’s official standards. Compliance with national regulations is a fundamental aspect of our corporate policy in all the countries where we operate.

We are nearing completion of this process for our low-voltage product line, which is subject to specific Mexican regulatory requirements. Approximately 80% of our portfolio is certified, and we anticipate this will strengthen our presence in the low-voltage electrical distribution market.  Although the market has been slow, Mitsubishi is a well-recognized brand among major players in the country. Our customers can access our products locally, eliminating the need to source them from Japan.

Q: Which Mitsubishi products and solutions are best positioned to address Mexico’s energy sector, given its grid infrastructure, sustainability objectives, and challenges?

A: We offer essential electrical distribution hardware, ranging from industrial-grade distribution panels to medium-voltage substations. Beyond hardware, our strategic focus is on digitalization, an area where the energy sector must accelerate adoption to enhance reliability and availability. Our goal is to simplify the integration of digital solutions within the industry.

Through ICONICS, a company acquired by Mitsubishi Electric six years ago, we have developed software solutions that allow for a different level of positioning in the market. Digitalization is essential for improving operational efficiency, and our platform enables the visualization of critical plant data, which is often unavailable in real time. 

Many operators lack immediate access to the information they need, and our technology helps bridge this gap, facilitating faster and more informed decision-making.

AI also plays a crucial role in this transformation. It is no longer a distant concept but a practical tool that will redefine industry operations. Rather than fearing AI, companies should embrace it as a means to improve efficiency and gain a deeper understanding of their processes.

Q:  How does Mitsubishi perceive the investment climate in Mexico’s industrial sector?

A: The nearshoring trend is essential. Several states have been attracting significant investment, particularly in the Bajio region, which remains a hub of industrial activity. However, I anticipate some slowdown this year due to external political factors.

Despite this, supply chains continue to adapt, and Mexico remains strategically positioned, not only geographically but also in terms of its talent pool. The country has transitioned from being primarily a provider of skilled labor to becoming a hub for highly qualified engineering. This shift further strengthens its attractiveness for industrial investment.

At Mitsubishi, we are committed to fostering this development. We have established training and certification programs tailored to medium and large companies focused on engineering and machine design. Our certification programs are recognized by Mexico’s Ministry of Labor, ensuring that professionals working in design, development, and commissioning of industrial equipment have official accreditation.      

Q: How would you evaluate Mexico’s manufacturing base regarding its ability to measure processes and adopt efficient technologies?

A: Mexico has a highly skilled talent pool, with a new generation of graduates already embracing the mindset of continuous improvement and technological efficiency. At Mitsubishi, we are committed to fostering this expertise. In 2025, we will donate equipment to a university in Jalisco and are planning another donation to an institution in Guanajuato.

Our objective is to train future engineers using cutting-edge technology currently implemented in the industry. While this is a long-term effort, it aligns with our vision of positioning Mexico as a hub for highly qualified engineering.      

Q: How have industrial clients embraced the benefits of automation solutions?

A: Automation inevitably displaces manual labor, particularly in repetitive and physically demanding tasks. However, rather than viewing this as a drawback, companies should see it as an opportunity to upskill their workforce.

Many clients struggle with the initial capital investment required for automation, such as robotic palletizing systems that can operate 24/7. While the long-term return on investment is clear, there is often hesitation due to the upfront costs.

The challenge lies in integrating human talent into this transformation. The industry must develop structured programs to transition workers from operational roles to technical positions, ensuring they remain valuable contributors in an automated environment. Even the most advanced AI-driven robotics systems require maintenance, programming, and development, tasks that only skilled professionals can perform.

Ultimately, industrial automation should not be about replacing workers but about elevating their roles. By focusing on training and equipping personnel to shift from operational to technical expertise, the transition will be smoother and more sustainable in the long term.

Q: What are the company’s main objectives for 2025?

A: Our priority is to sustain the growth trajectory we have achieved in recent years and expand our market share in Mexico. We are on the right path and expect a solid fiscal year closing in March 2025.

Our approach is multifaceted. First, we invest in talent through our university donation program, contributing approximately MX$4 million annually in state-of-the-art equipment to enhance engineering education. Second, we focus on professional training, offering certification programs for integrators and machine developers at our training centers in Monterrey, Queretaro, and Mexico City. As a result, Mexican clients are now exporting advanced machinery equipped with Mitsubishi technology to markets such as the United States, Europe, India, and Japan.

Mitsubishi Electric Automation supports factory automation needs of North and Latin American customers with combined sales, marketing, service, engineering, and manufacturing resources.