Integral Solutions for Complex Challenges: Hermes Infraestructura

Q: After 50 years and 500+ projects, what key strategies have set Hermes Infraestructura apart, ensuring resilience amid economic and regulatory shifts?

A: It is not common to find construction companies with decades of experience that remain key market players. Our focus on clients and comprehensive offering has been crucial.

We celebrate not when we win a contract, but when we complete and deliver it. Over 50 years, we have developed three main business lines: construction, concessions, and operations. Our concessions include highways, water infrastructure, and road maintenance like the Inner Beltway in Mexico City. We have even participated in managing a correctional facility.

We work across sectors, delivering major projects in Mexico and internationally, including a treatment plant renovation in Colombia. We prioritize social and environmental responsibility by engaging with local communities through initiatives like improving schools and infrastructure while protecting flora and fauna. Our approach is comprehensive, extending beyond the services we provide to caring for the communities and environments where we operate.

Q: How has Hermes Infraestructura integrated cutting-edge technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), IoT, and AI-driven analytics to improve efficiency, safety, and quality of projects?

A: The use of technology in construction has moved slowly over the past century, with few companies fully adopting and developing advanced solutions. At Hermes Infraestructura, we work with BIM, and our approach goes beyond creating 3D models. While many companies have shifted from 2D designs in AutoCAD to 3D modeling software like Revit, we are focused on leading innovation and developing new technologies not yet used in the market.

One of the main challenges in construction projects is managing timelines and costs. Delays and budget overruns are common issues in the industry. To address this, we are incorporating AI and advanced planning technologies, as they can bring us the experience of all projects around the world. This allows us to identify the most efficient execution plan tailored specifically to each project, an approach not yet widely used in Mexico.

Regarding BIM, most companies stop at 3D modeling, but the methodology extends further to cover areas like cost control, scheduling, and safety. With digital tools and sensors, we can define quality and safety standards and receive real-time alerts if deviations occur, helping us prevent accidents and maintain project integrity. Through these efforts, we aim to become a national leader in digital transformation and innovation in the construction sector.

Q: How does Hermes Infraestructura address the social and environmental impact of its projects? 

A: Hermes Infraestructura is committed to ESG. Regarding the environmental aspect, the company implements in-depth remediation plans when developing projects in undeveloped areas. When building a highway through natural landscapes, special care is taken to protect local flora and fauna, especially endemic species. Additionally, the company focuses on reducing its carbon footprint. When developing a project, instead of using multiple vehicles for crew transportation, we optimize transportation with shared solutions like buses or vans. In some projects, construction camps are powered by solar energy rather than traditional diesel generators to minimize emissions.

Hermes Infraestructura is also extending these environmental practices to its supply chain. The company is developing a plan to engage suppliers and subcontractors in adopting sustainable practices, aiming to create a broader positive impact through collective action.

On the social front, the company is focused on giving back to communities affected by its projects. For example, when building highways, small businesses along the original routes may lose customer traffic due to roads becoming high speed. To address this, Hermes Infraestructura collaborates with authorities to create small development poles where these businesses can relocate, ensuring they remain accessible and safe for consumers. The goal is not only to mitigate negative impacts but also to generate benefits for local communities.

In governance, the company has established a robust anonymous reporting system to ensure a safe and inclusive work environment. Hermes Infraestructura prioritizes attracting and retaining top talent, regardless of gender, religion, or personal preference. The company offers comprehensive training, career development programs, and growth opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to employee advancement.

We started to implement these initiatives when I took office, a year and three months ago. Now, Hermes Infraestructura aims to position itself as a national leader in sustainable infrastructure, going beyond industry standards to set new benchmarks in environmental responsibility, community engagement, and corporate governance.

Q: How does Hermes Infraestructura’s expertise in hydraulic projects contribute to the national water plan, and what are the key challenges in addressing Mexico’s water infrastructure needs?

A: The company is among the top players in water-related infrastructure, and has participated in major national projects, including La Yesca, El Cajon, and the recently inaugurated El Zapotillo dam in Nayarit. In March 2025, Hermes plans to inaugurate the Libertad dam in Nuevo Leon, which features the longest dam curtain in Mexico and the seventh in Latin America at nearly 2km.

Beyond dams, Hermes Infraestructura is also involved in wastewater treatment and purification plants, such as the Madin reservoir in the State of Mexico. The company is studying several projects within the National Water Plan, which includes around 16 initiatives, with a possible 17th under discussion. These projects also focus on cleaning polluted rivers to increase water availability, which is essential for the proper development of communities and industries.

The company acknowledges the urgency of addressing water-related challenges, especially after the severe water crisis in northern Mexico in 2022. Hermes Infraestructura emphasizes that solving the country's water issues requires a long-term commitment beyond a single administration. 

Q: How do you see Hermes Infraestructura contributing to the infrastructure and mobility investments outlined in Plan México?

A: Transportation is another major national challenge, which is why several mobility projects, such as trains, have been launched. The goal is to connect the entire country, but the challenge of linking the north and south is significant. The plan to build 3,000km within a single administration is ambitious. Nonetheless, it will have a ripple effect across all sectors, starting with our industry, as construction drives employment and economic development.

I believe it is excellent that these water projects, Plan México, and infrastructure plans are being prioritized to help reduce the infrastructure backlog. It is not just about long highways designed for high speeds, but also the development of rural roads. There is a significant need for investment in this sector, which drives growth for towns and cities, enhances trade, and contributes to the overall well-being of the population.

We also have considerable experience in the rail sector, focusing on passenger and freight trains. These areas, along with water infrastructure, are key priorities from the public sector's perspective.

On the private side, investments in construction, such as office buildings and housing, are also critical. One of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s key initiatives is addressing the housing backlog, which remains a pressing challenge. In addition to this, vital projects like hospitals and schools are essential to the country’s development. All these areas are interconnected, making it difficult to prioritize one over the others, as each plays a crucial role in advancing the nation’s progress.

Q: How does the company plan to capitalize on nearshoring, and what is your perspective on the current momentum of this trend?

A: Nearshoring is on our radar. While our focus is elsewhere, we recognize it as an opportunity to further leverage Mexico’s strengths and support the country’s growth. A key discussion has been the need to develop infrastructure, particularly in energy and water, as rapid growth has outpaced supply, slowing some projects. The good news is that both the government and private sector have identified the issue and are working together to develop the necessary infrastructure to support incoming investments.

We plan to contribute to this effort in the mid-term and it is contemplated in our Transformation Strategy 2030. We aim to provide integrated solutions that address water, energy, housing, and job accessibility, not just focusing on one infrastructure aspect. 

Despite the tariff threats and the challenges the country has faced, Mexico’s workforce is second to none. As Mexicans, we always rise to the occasion and move forward. Despite the crises we have encountered, we have always managed to come out on top. I firmly believe that there is no one like us, and we will continue to overcome any circumstances. We have always found a way to adapt, and this time will be no different.

Q: As Hermes Infraestructura looks ahead to 2025, what are the company’s main objectives, and how do you plan to achieve them?

A: Our main goal is to become the national leader in infrastructure, and we are determined to achieve this by the end of 2025. Despite the adversity, like the decline in construction investment observed in 2024, we remain optimistic about the upcoming period of national development and growth.

The main challenge is ensuring better collaboration between the government and the private sector. Significant progress has been made in this regard, and we see the government's openness as a positive sign. The groundwork is being laid for success, which is creating opportunities. We continue to contribute to significant and relevant projects, like major dams, highways, museums, and hotels. Our scope is broad, and our ability to offer comprehensive solutions across various sectors positions us to seize upcoming opportunities.

We aim to do this while carefully considering the environment and society with whom we interact. Our commitment extends beyond shareholders to include our customers, suppliers, subcontractors, and employees. We work with the entire value chain to ensure that Hermes Infraestructura remains in the clients’ minds 50 years from now.

Hermes Infraestructura is one of the leading companies in the infrastructure sector in Mexico, offering over 50 years of experience in the development, management, and operation of land and rail routes, water, drainage and sanitation projects, building and urbanization, port infrastructure, tourism, among other areas.