Operating in a volatile environment requires flexibility and constant adaptation, acknowledged Lourdes (Lulú) Cobos, general manager of the Turbo Plant at BorgWarner Ramos Arizpe, who admitted that decisions must be adjusted to the changing pace of the market.
“The industry is living in an environment of uncertainty. Our challenge is to maintain operations with certainty, even when everything around us is in flux,” he emphasized.
Cobos explained that, given the uncertain global outlook, the company has opted to maintain its presence in Mexico without halting its operations, which span 12 industrial sites in six states and employ nearly 4,500 people . Its portfolio includes turbochargers , electric drive motors, valves, and thermal management systems.
From Coahuila, the Ramos Arizpe plant produces nearly three million turbochargers a year , making it the company’s largest for this type of component, he explained.
Although electrification is progressing more slowly than expected , the company maintains its participation in all three market segments: combustion , hybrid, and electric . In Mexico, nearly 80% of its operations remain focused on internal combustion technologies, added Esteban Valera, director of the Saltillo plant.
In addition to its participation in light vehicles, the company also serves the heavy-duty vehicle segment , primarily those with turbochargers. This market represents approximately 10% of its sales , and although it is currently experiencing some stagnation, especially in class 8, the medium-term outlook indicates solid growth in both Mexico and North America.
“What seemed like it was going to decline is now showing signs of growth. Some platforms that we saw as stagnant are rebounding, and that demands an immediate response on our part,” Valera said.
In addition, company executives emphasized that their commitment to electrification remains, but warned that infrastructure, planning, and external conditions are required for the market to grow sustainably.
Another challenge is meeting sustainability goals. The company has set a goal of achieving zero carbon by 2030 , and although progress has already been made, such as the installation of solar panels, this is an effort that also involves suppliers and local governments, company representatives noted.
One of the key actions has been ISO 50001 certification (an international standard that establishes a framework for improving energy efficiency), already achieved by several of its plants, including Ramos Arizpe. Work is also underway on the use of clean energy and on programs to evaluate suppliers under the same environmental criteria.
Regarding its relationship with automakers , the company explained that its position as a preferred supplier has allowed it to maintain strategic agreements, even in the face of adverse circumstances. However, they also recognized that the environment is constantly changing and that it is necessary to anticipate long-term decisions, such as opening new lines or redesigning the portfolio.
Following this same diversification strategy, BorgWarner seeks to strengthen its presence in the aftermarket. Furthermore, Lourdes Cobos emphasized that the quality of its components allows it to offer a warranty of up to 60 months .
For now, the strategy is to maintain what works and adjust where the market demands it, company executives commented. The goal is to keep moving, even when the direction isn’t always clear.
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