El Crisol Celebrates 60 Years by Looking Forward and Inward

Q: El Crisol start the construction of its distribution center, or CEDIS, in Queretaro. What impact do you expect from this development?

A: The CEDIS was a strategic investment to offer better services for our clients. We are convinced that having a readily available, smart and diverse inventory is a competitive advantage for El Crisol, especially considering the supply chain disruption caused by the pandemic. This disruption boosted demand for our solutions, which had already been growing in the last three years. The pandemic provided confirmation that this was a good investment. The CEDIS provides the client with a quicker, better and more complete offer than before. This is the first step for El Crisol to grow our market presence.

Q: Tech is now fundamental in the logistics and supply chain. How is El Crisol integrating technology into its internal operations and distribution processes?

A: We use SAP as a base for our operations, which helps us control the entire operation in real time. There is also Abaya design software to control calls and software for last-mile logistics, among others. We plan on implementing an important conversion to reinforce the structure of our software for the real-time control of inventory through bar-codes, which will be connected to our SAP. That new distribution center will revolutionize how we treat clients and introduce new technology.

Q: As a leading supplier for the pharmaceutical industry, how have the vaccination campaigns and growth of generics and OTC industries reflected on demand for your products?

A: More than 95 percent of pharmaceuticals in Mexico have a commercial relationship with El Crisol. Manufacturers count on El Crisol as a supplier, in particular because controlling quality, from the raw materials to the finished product, requires one of the tools that we sell. There are shortages in the pharmaceutical industry of phosphates, iodides, formaldehyde and others but we continue to have stock and have been able to offer the industry immediate delivery or alternatives. This has prevented delays or pauses in production and ensures these companies avoid any additional losses.

Q: El Crisol has been active in filling gaps related to the UNOPS’ medicine acquisition process. How has El Crisol planned its supply to meet local demand?

A: When the shortage began, we asked for more products than usual. As a result, we have preference when products arrive. Previously, there was a clear plan for medicinal supply. Nowadays, the mistakes the government is making in supplying medicine through the UNOPS office are harming the pharmaceutical industry and supply chain. At the end of the day, the support we can provide is to supply the materials that companies need and that is how we are helping them.

Q: What advantages does Mexico have to produce products domestically?

A: The COVID-19 crisis has reminded us that the country has the capabilities to manufacture its own inputs for health. In the last couple of years, we have seen a shift in manufacturing from Asia to Mexico. More brands are betting on our country. That transnational push is making many companies realize the importance of having local manufacturing, which bolsters competitiveness and improves delivery times for distribution. The crisis related to shortages and logistics complications is going to make many companies look at Mexico as a manufacturing center that is highly competitive. It has a qualified workforce and an advantageous geographical location.

Q: What is the strategy to promote your new distribution center and strengthen your services and capacities?

A: We are a 100 percent Mexican company with more than 60 years of experience and a corporate vision of investing in Mexico despite its complexities. We want to create employment centers, investing to be a grain of sand in the country’s growth. We want to emphasize this in our marketing strategy to demonstrate that behind the science and research, there is a first-class supplier with knowledge, experience and expertise with the leading global brands.

El Crisol is a Mexican company with 60 years of experience in the commercialization and distribution of laboratory equipment for different industries. It has offices in Mexico City, Puebla, Queretaro, Monterrey, Chihuahua, San Luis Potosi, Torreon, Guadalajara, Merida and Tijuana.