International Furniture Trends are Rapidly Arriving in Mexico

Q: How does PM STEELE serve the Mexican industrial sectors and what makes it a leading company in the country?
A: PM STEELE originated from H. Steele y Compañía, which was founded in 1921. The office furniture division was established in 1950, largely to manufacture locally and counteract import challenges and trade tariffs of the era. A key driver for starting local office furniture manufacturing in 1950 was to counteract significant import challenges, which spurred this domestic production. PM STELLE became an independent entity in 1964. Over time, we expanded into storage systems, establishing it as our second main business line. This division has grown significantly and is particularly relevant now, with nearshoring trends and shifting trade dynamics making us an important storage solutions provider.

Key differentiators for PM STEELE include our dedicated team of nearly 1,200 collaborators across manufacturing, administration, and delivery. We also maintain significant in-house capabilities, such as our own transport fleets and installation teams, generally avoiding subcontracting except for very large-scale projects. We sell directly to clients rather than through distributors, which enables more direct and responsive service. This has converted us into Mexico’s largest office furniture company. As a multi-generational family business, we uphold core values such as work discipline and ethics derived from our long history. 

Q: What factors are fueling PM STEELE’s storage solutions line?
A: The commercial landscape is rapidly changing due to e-commerce leaders like Mercado Libre and Amazon and the shift to digital operations, impacting logistics, distribution, and delivery expectations. Clients increasingly seek practical, digital solutions, especially in complex urban environments.

PM STEELE recognized this growing segment as a significant opportunity, further amplified by evolving international trade dynamics. To deliver comprehensive solutions, we leverage our infrastructure and form strategic alliances with trusted commercial partners in Mexico, the European Union, the United States, and Asia. This allows clients to benefit from PM STEELE as a single-source provider for integrated services.

We serve the office furniture and logistics, and storage systems, which can converge as logistics centers also require office furniture for their operational staff.  While both markets are significant, we believe the logistics and storage sector is likely larger.

Q: How has PM STEELE’s manufacturing and sourcing strategy evolved over the years, and what key factors have driven these changes??
A: PM STEELE historically operated with a high degree of vertical integration, producing most office furniture components in-house in Mexico. But evolving global market dynamics, particularly competitive pricing and volume capabilities from regions like Asia, prompted a gradual shift toward international sourcing for many parts. Early engagement with Asian suppliers, often characterized by compelling commercial terms, accelerated this transition, despite initial variations in quality.

Over the years, we refined our sourcing and quality control processes through intensive supplier development. Certain elements like fabrics for customization are still often locally sourced, but our overall model has transformed. PM STEELE now strategically combines in-house manufacturing with imported components. Occasionally, we also source complete finished products if it is economically compelling. This transformation aims to provide our clients with optimal product quality and price, while offering timely delivery.

Q: What is the composition of PM STEELE’s industry portfolio? 

A: While office furniture remains PM STEELE’s primary strength, our storage systems division is experiencing robust growth, now potentially representing 35%-40% of our business. This expansion is largely fueled by demand from major clients in sectors such as e-commerce, food, refrigeration, and automotive.

Overall, our company has achieved significant double-digit growth over the past three to four years. Exportation is an increasingly important strategic focus for us, with certain product lines demonstrating strong performance and becoming a key area for development.

Q: What foreign markets are attractive for PM STEELE? 

A: Our proximity to the United States, one of the world's largest consumer markets, makes it a key export focus. Our efforts are concentrated particularly in California. We also maintain active operations in Central America. Currently, our efforts are focused on expanding the brand’s presence in South America as part of our broader regional growth strategy.  

International opportunities often arise from multinational clients working in Mexico, who then engage us for their operations in other countries, primarily the United States or Central and South America. While the US market is crucial for any significant export growth strategy, Central and South American markets also offer valuable opportunities, especially when existing clients expand or renovate facilities there. This client-driven international expansion is gratifying and reinforces why exportation must be a prominent focus for us in the coming years.

Q: How is PM STEELE preparing for the rapidly changing trade environment? 

A: President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration seems to be constructively engaging in trade relations with the United States. This approach positions Mexico well within complex international tariff discussions. However, internal security remains a significant challenge requiring strong government action, as it can impede economic progress.

To navigate this environment and prepare for the future, PM STEELE consistently invests in personnel training and machinery. We stay updated on global design, technology, and industry trends by actively participating in major international furniture fairs. This allows us to adapt relevant innovations for the Mexican market, where international trends are now arriving with increasing speed.

We also work with the international not‐for-profit trade association BIFMA, which sets office furniture standards. We helped secure a permanent council seat for Mexico, providing crucial industry insights that are vital to compete with large international companies.


PM STEELE is a Mexican company, established in 1950, that designs and manufactures office furniture and storage systems. It operates four industrial plants in the State of Mexico, supported by two distribution centers and 23 showrooms.