Onze Professionalizing SMEs for a Competitive O&G Industry

Q: In 2025, Mexico’s upstream sector experienced significant changes, including the reform, its secondary regulation, and greater clarity around large-scale projects such as mixed contracts. In this context, did Onze Energie see changes in client demand or in overall activity?

A: In practical terms, no major changes were observed in client demand. What we did experience last year was an impact on strategies that were specifically focused on strengthening SMEs. The topic of SMEs became more complex, but at the same time we clearly noticed the arrival of new companies, particularly new SMEs, as well as expanded scopes of work and new business lines.

At events such as the Mexican Petroleum Congress, we realized that the landscape was no longer the same as in previous years. Many businesses were evolving, and we saw a notable increase in companies focused on environmental services and sustainability-related activities, which opened the door to new types of business opportunities.

Q: How did the company ultimately adjust to these changes?

A: One of the main adjustments was redefining our strategy for attracting suppliers. We began participating in forums outside the traditional oil and gas space, in sectors where we did not previously have strong expertise. For example, we attended events related to transportation, chemicals, and even the medical sector.

This approach proved valuable, because when new suppliers began joining in 2025, they were no longer focused exclusively on the oil and gas sector. We were already engaging with hospitals, logistics companies, and providers of industrial equipment and personal protective gear. These companies were more diversified and interested in entering new industries. This allowed us to better understand other sectors that were seeking to participate in energy and industrial markets, and to identify how their capabilities could respond to the evolving needs of the industry.

Q: The alliance with Achilles highlights transparency and sustainability in procurement. What other strategic partnerships are you pursuing to enhance supplier access to new markets or standards?

A: One of Onze Energie’s core strategic priorities is strengthening Mexican SMEs, and the collaboration with Achilles has allowed us to become more specialized in supporting companies that are still in a development phase. Achilles helps suppliers regularize their operations and comply with key parameters, enabling them to grow in a more structured way.

This partnership is particularly important for us because it goes beyond promotion or visibility. It allows us to support SMEs in a comprehensive manner, not only by connecting them with potential clients, but also by providing them with knowledge, structure, and tools so that their companies can evolve from being small operations into more robust and strategically managed businesses.

Q: Today, what do you see as SMEs’ most significant challenges in building trust and credibility, and how is Onze supporting them in reaching that level?

A: One of the main challenges we have consistently identified is the lack of compliance with technical and safety standards. Many SMEs do not have the required certifications, or they only meet the most basic requirements. As the sector evolved, the number of guidelines and certification requirements has increased, particularly in areas such as safety and operational standards.

In many cases, SMEs were not fully aware that these requirements were necessary to work with certain clients or in specific sectors. This becomes even more critical when dealing with foreign companies, which tend to operate under very well-defined global standards. Adapting to these requirements has been complex for many suppliers.

Our role, beyond providing visibility, is to support SMEs in becoming reliable and competitive. Through initiatives such as the Achilles program and complementary efforts, we guide them in understanding current and emerging certifications, accessing training, and gaining clarity on what the market currently demands so they can remain competitive and up to date.

Q: Looking ahead to the next two years, what do you see as the main trends for SMEs? How much progress do you expect in terms of standardization and improvement?

A: The most significant trends for SMEs will likely be professionalization and certification as a means of integrating into value chains. Another key trend is the digitalization of processes and operational management. Efficiency and reliability in meeting industrial standards will also continue to gain importance. Finally, sustainability and regulatory compliance are becoming essential requirements across the sector, rather than optional considerations.

Q: What are your goals for 2026, and how do you expect to close the year?

A: One of our main goals is to further consolidate Onze Energie as a firm and position it as a reference in supplier development and SME growth. This involves strengthening training, building trust, and deepening connections with the energy and industrial sectors.

Our vision for this year also includes expanding beyond a single sector, increasing visibility, and attracting more suppliers who are interested in entering or growing within these industries as part of a diversified service portfolio.

We expect to close the year with a higher number of trained and certified SMEs, a stronger and more participative SME pavilion at the Mexican Petroleum Congress, and an increased number of strategic alliances between SMEs and large companies. Most importantly, we aim to deliver measurable results in terms of business linkages and the generation of real commercial opportunities.

Onze Energie provides engineering, construction, and supply services. The company offers solutions in renewable and non-renewable energy, water and environment, and industrial and maritime projects.