A Dynamic Market Needs Speed, Transparency: El Crisol

Q: What is the primary objective of El Crisol?

A: El Crisol, a 100% Mexican enterprise, is celebrating its 63rd anniversary. In 2024, the focus remains on innovation and adaptation amid a complex political landscape and shifting budget priorities. The market in which we operate is highly dynamic and changes every year, and we are witnessing evolving trends across the 30 sectors we serve. Given this dynamism, we are implementing various changes to enhance customer service, optimize logistics, and refine marketing strategies, including boosting our e-commerce platform and introducing targeted advertising through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Q: What specific initiatives will the next government need to undertake to enhance the healthcare sector?

A: There needs to be transparency and clarity in the medication procurement system, which is perceived as opaque and subject to frequent changes and uncertainties. Addressing this issue should be a top priority for the new government, as access to quality healthcare and medications is a fundamental concern for many Mexicans. Support for science and technology is also essential. Mexico possesses significant talent and research infrastructure that is underutilized. Redirecting resources toward areas such as renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and advanced materials would better serve the country's needs. 

There is a pressing need for transparency and accountability in government spending. Large projects and procurement processes often lack oversight, leading to wasteful spending and corruption. Prioritizing investment in R&D and academic institutions is crucial for the country's prosperity. 

Q: What advances have been made in leveraging your solutions center to penetrate more aggressively into the markets of Central and South America?

A: In pursuit of this objective, we are focusing on enhancing the operation of the distribution center, which now works at full capacity even during peak seasons. Last year, we underwent a learning curve in understanding logistics and establishing parameters. This year, we have begun streamlining operations by centralizing logistics and distribution functions at the center. Its calibration laboratories and technical service departments are operational, and our overnight shift is facilitating pickings and packings to ensure efficient deliveries the following day. This improved operational efficiency enables us to enter export markets with greater strength. We are actively seeking partnerships with local companies to serve regional markets in smaller countries, positioning Mexico as a central supply hub. This approach allows us to offer competitive pricing, faster delivery times, and enhanced service to meet market demands. This year, we plan to expand beyond Mexico’s borders.

Q: What are the latest innovations in the company’s offer?

A: In late 2022, we invested in expanding our offer by incorporating 46 new brands, encompassing 42 new product lines featuring emerging technologies from various origins and diverse quality standards. These additions included centrifuges, EH marking lines, and refrigeration and cold storage equipment, including ultra-freezing units. We also introduced reagents for more specialized needs. These new brands expanded our product portfolio to about 4,000 items. This extensive product range, developed alongside the construction of the distribution center, enables us to meet a wide array of customer requirements, encompassing diverse quality standards, regulatory approvals, origins, and certifications.

Q: What were the most significant product demands encountered during Expofarma 2024?

A: The biggest demands were related to analytical chemistry, chromatography, microbiology, and physicochemical control. We already have the latest equipment in these areas, which is more expensive but of higher quality. It all depends on the applications. Clients are always interested in seeing what is new, which nowadays includes touchscreen devices and software that can be accessed from phones or computers. Larger clients are often the first to adopt new technology. We also have many clients in the generics sector where price is their primary concern, so they require cost-effective solutions. 

We attracted clients from various sectors, including food and beverage, environmental treatment, and third-party testing labs. We also had visits from petrochemical and mining companies. 

Q: How significant is the veterinary industry for El Crisol?

A: Most manufacturers of veterinary products are located in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and some in Queretaro. The quality control standards for veterinary medications are similar to those for human medications, especially for antibiotics. Although basic laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges and thermometers, may suffice for veterinary clinics, the real business lies in the companies that produce on a large scale, such as Holland Laboratories and Laboratorios Tornel.

The veterinary industry has transformed in recent years, with veterinary clinics expanding their services to include medication sales. Owners now have a choice between branded and generic medications for their pets, reflecting a broader trend of increased concern for pet health and well-being. Advances in veterinary medicine have created a competitive market, with a wide range of products available. Overall, the veterinary pharmaceutical sector has experienced substantial growth as pets have become integral members of many families, resulting in a significant shift in consumer behavior and preferences regarding pet healthcare products.

Q: How does El Crisol incorporate sustainability practices into its operations?

A: We achieved a significant milestone in our distribution center by investing in a water collection system. We have also developed a green area where we are planting numerous native trees and have invested in solar panels to further our commitment to sustainability.

We are taking decisive steps toward using recyclable packaging and replacing traditional bubble wrap with a more environmentally friendly alternative. We are transitioning to plastic boxes that minimize packaging waste, and we made large investments in plastic pallets for our warehouse operations. These initiatives are being implemented across our entire operation, aligning with regulatory requirements in various states that restrict the use of plastic packaging. This year, we also invested in modernizing and updating nearly 25 delivery units. While we made strides in electrifying our fleet, there are limited charging stations in urban areas. We hope to see increased investment in charging infrastructure by the next government administration, as this investment is crucial for reducing pollution and increasing energy efficiency. As we continue to renew our vehicle fleet, we remain committed to embracing newer, more sustainable technologies wherever possible.

Q: How has El Crisol invested in enhancing and optimizing its logistics services to adapt to the changing demands of the market and ensure timely deliveries?

A: El Crisol has focused on modernizing logistics and improving its customer service. We are implementing a strategy we refer to as the “Amazon of laboratories.” We are confident that this approach will lead to success and establish conditions where El Crisol becomes a key ally of many companies. The investments made in our distribution center are not solely for El Crisol's benefit; we aim to create a distinctive Mexican company, ultimately supporting other industry players.

El Crisol is a Mexican company with over 60 years of experience in the commercialization and distribution of laboratory equipment for different industries.