Auto Logistics Conference Highlights Mexico鈥檚 Automotive Capabilities
During the last day of the at the MGM Grand in Detroit there were multiple sessions about the impact of Mexico鈥檚 economic growth. A senior leader appeared on one panel, while another session saw a presentation from the governor of the Mexican state of Guanajuato.
糖心传媒 senior vice president spoke at session 6B: the challenges of supplying Mexican automotive plants. During his time at General Motors, he was director of North American Logistics.
鈥淲e are bullish on Mexico,鈥 he stated. 鈥淲e have been there for 18 years and our plan is to experience double digit growth. This is a great opportunity for both the 3PL and shipper side.鈥
Bullard鈥檚 other insights:
鈥 鈥淭he geographical advantage is real and it is significant.鈥
鈥 Regulatory issues and security risks are among the 鈥渕ost concerning factors.鈥
鈥 Regarding border crossings and customs problems he advised the audience to 鈥渞ecognize and design around it.鈥 Two examples: don鈥檛 get your freight to the border crossing one hour before it closes and don鈥檛 let freight sit for too long.
鈥 Despite conflicting reports in the media and supply chain studies Bullard confirmed the Mexican work force is 鈥渜uality conscious and hard working.鈥 He noted the importance of creating a favorable work environment to ensure that those newly trained employees are retained.
The president of Union Pacific Distribution Services, Mike Parker, laid out his primary challenges in Mexico: infrastructure, capacity, customs and security. These sentiments were also expressed by the panel.
The main attraction at the full morning session was Miguel Marquez, governor of the Central Mexico state of Guanajuato, and representatives of the U.S.-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and the Border Trade Alliance.
Gov. Marquez (employing a translator) explained that Guanajuato is a major automotive hub, housing operations for U.S., Japanese and German car makers and original equipment manufacturers. The state鈥檚 2014 exports are expected to reach $16 billion USD, most of it via the auto industry.
Gov. Marquez said that transportation infrastructure enhancements are in motion to ensure highway connectivity to Laredo, Texas, Mexico City and Juarez City, among other improvements.
the 鈥淢ove Ahead鈥 first day conference summary.
By Alen Beljin