Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1546383
24 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2026 Maria Elena Gallego, Collectron identifies two major areas: regulatory complexity and talent. As labor, tax, customs, and environmental requirements change, the company sees value in helping manufacturers stay compliant ahead of those changes. It also sees workforce development, lead- ership, flexibility, inclusion, continuous learning, and specialized technical talent as central to the next phase of manufacturing growth. Jesús Duarte, Expo WireTech sees opportunity in the expansion of wire harness, automotive, electronics, automation, medical-device, and advanced manufacturing activity. Its growth strategy centers on connecting more domestic and international companies, increasing participation from OEMs and buyers, and helping Mexican companies integrate more deeply into global supply chains. Ignacio Lopez Arroyo, Repstronics sees significant opportunity as manufacturers invest in auto- mation, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing technologies to improve productivity and remain globally competitive. Alejandro Solórzano Elorza, ROCKA Solutions to strengthen its position in Mexico while expanding its manufacturing-solutions portfolio and regional reach. Looking toward 2027 and 2028, it sees opportunities in the southern United States, particularly Texas, California, Arizona, and New Mexico, as well as Brazil, driven by investment in advanced manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, and automotive production. Frederico Teixeira, Ricardo & Barbosa points to automotive electrification, North American manu- facturing growth, and demand for more efficient and sustainable production technologies. It plans to expand adoption of its product and increase its presence in electric mobility, aerospace, energy storage, and other high-value industries. The company also identifies AS9100 certification for its Mexico facility as an important milestone in its aerospace strategy. Filiberto Severiano Moreno, SMTLINK Solutions expects continued electronics-manufacturing expansion across North America to increase demand for technology partners with strong local support. Priorities include growth in Mexico and the United States, industrial automation, manufac- turing digitalization, traceability, Industry 4.0, regional systems integration, and technical training and workforce development. Capacity Is Not Where the Growth Is "Where do you see your greatest opportunity for growth?" The growth opportunities identified by the respondents extend well beyond adding production capacity. Regional expansion is part of the forecasted growth outlook, but so are automation, digitalization, advanced tooling, aerospace, electric mobility, and talent development, driven by the operational infra- structure complexity required to manufacture in Mexico today.