Supply Chain Management

SCMI recently conducted a student facility tour to Mexico - Chrsitopher Murrell, MBA, writes about the experience:

The United States’ relationship with Mexico is epitomized by the saying, “When the United States gets a cold, Mexico gets pneumonia.” Witnessing the powerful economic, social, and political interconnections of the U.S. and Mexico during the Supply Chain Management Association’s recent Mexico trip, made me reconsider everything I had previously come to believe about the maquiladora industry. Guided factory tours at Ingersoll Rand, Taylor Guitars, and Sanyo Manufacturing brought each of us closer to an understanding of the depth and diversity of the maquiladora industry.
Our stop at Ingersoll Rand, a worldwide leader in commercial locks, deadbolts, and door closers, was most memorable because it displayed Ingersoll Rand’s commitment to the city of Tecate. Maquiladoras historically criticized for taking advantage of Mexico’s relaxed environmental and labor policies appears to be a practice of the past. Ingersoll Rand’s investments in both the environment and the employees’ working conditions were two examples many companies north of the border could follow. The extensive in-house water treatment facilities ensured that purified agricultural water was returned to the city of Tecate, leaving no remnants of the abrasive chemicals used in the chrome plating and die casting process.
At our second stop, Taylor Guitars S.A., we witnessed the complete manufacturing process of Taylor’s world renowned Baby Taylor. Taylor’s use of laser wood cutting technology in combination with highly skilled employees was remarkable. It was amazing to watch the construction of each guitar’s braces, finger board, and bridge completed almost entirely by hand. The craftsmanship was not complete until each guitar was played by specially trained staff to guarantee the quality sound that U2, Jewell and Prince have come to expect. While the maquiladora industry often has the reputation of assembly-line work, the work we witnessed by Taylor guitar employees can only be described as nothing less than art.
The final maquiladora visit was to Sanyo Manufacturing Tijuana, where flat screen televisions are produced. The cleanliness of the facilities and the advanced technologies used to manufacture the printed circuit boards was cutting edge. The capabilities and atmosphere of the Sanyo plant was indistinguishable from what I have witnessed in the United States.
My Mexico experience came full circle at our last stop at the Universidad Iberoamericana. Our brief conference with current students brought cross-border issues to the surface. Listening to students from both sides of the border share their dreams and frustrations reaffirmed our inevitable partnership now and in the years to come. My day in Mexico gave me the unique experience to observe business and economic development from a new perspective . The vigor of our conversations and the quality of the work we witnessed at the maquiladoras assured me of the potential for a prosperous, peaceful and dynamic relationship between Mexico and the U.S.