January 23, 2024
The HS HOTSSON Hotel in León, Guanajuato, was the site of the annual gathering of AICC México members. From August 2 to 4, over 225 people were in attendance, including 11 new members.
The focus of the meeting was the prospects and challenges in the converting industry in Mexico. The meeting comprised a seminar that preceded the general session, panel discussion, keynote presentation, two evenings of a tabletop trade fair, and plant tour. New for this year were social events such as the first AICC México Golf Tournament and an exciting activity for AICC México Emerging Leaders.
On August 2, Rick Putch, director of technical services and process improvement at National Steel Rule Co. and an industry expert with over 45 years of die cutting experience, delivered a seminar titled “Effective Methods to Maximize Die-Cutting Productivity” to over 70 attentive and eager seminar participants. Simultaneously, members had a valuable opportunity for networking and socializing during the first AICC México Golf Tournament.
On Thursday, AICC President Mike D’Angelo welcomed those in attendance. Sergio Menchaca, CEO of Eko Empaques de Cartón and president of AICC México, began the general session by highlighting that the number of AICC México member companies has increased to 86, more than double the figure from a few years ago. He emphasized that AICC’s objective is assisting its members in achieving greater success.
During the general session, notable speakers shared relevant industry and economic topics. Marina Faleiros, managing editor in Latin America for Fastmarkets at RISI, opened with a presentation on the current state of the Latin American paperboard industry with an emphasis on Mexico. Next, Alejandro Herrera, CEO of Empaques 4F, spoke of the context and development of small to medium-size companies. Eduardo Posada, president of WestRock México, spoke about the experience of starting a family business in Mexico and transforming it into a global company.
Following the opening session speakers, a panel discussion was held on “The Future Impact of Automation on the Automotive Industry in Mexico,” after which economics expert Roberto Manriquez, Ph.D., talked about Mexico’s economic environment in 2023–2024.
Keynote speaker Daniel Marcos, co-founder and president of the Growth Institute, closed the day with a presentation titled “How the Best Leaders Achieve 10x More Impact With Less Drama: Impact X.”
Yair Caballero, CEO of Corru-Empaques–Querétaro, was honored with the AICC México Hall of Fame Award for his unwavering support of the Association. His family joined him at the award ceremony.
On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the always popular trade fair took place, where various industry suppliers displayed their latest innovations. Guests also had the opportunity to mingle and network during a pleasant cocktail gathering.
On the final day of the meeting, members took a guided tour of the state-of-the-art Cartones Microcorrugados plant. This organization runs three corrugators and five converting lines in a spotless, fully automated manufacturing facility. The team from Cartones Microcorrugados were wonderful hosts, providing the attendees with hospitality and souvenirs after their tour.
The AICC México ELs had a special event: an exciting, adrenaline-filled time go-kart racing.
The next AICC México meeting is scheduled for October 23–25 in Querétaro, Mexico.
