The International Purchasing Department faces significant challenges in today’s business world. The complexity of international trade regulations, the globalization of suppliers, and the variability in supply and demand are just a few of these challenges.

Luz Berenice García Lozano, who leads the International Purchasing Department at Grupo GPA, revealed that 'the evolution over these past few years has been enormous and very important,' recalling that when she took on the department’s responsibilities, only two group companies required foreign purchases. However, over time, that number has grown significantly. Now, seven companies engage in foreign trade operations, including both imports and exports.

She assured that a fundamental aspect of the International Purchasing Department is ensuring that all foreign trade operations comply with the relevant laws and regulations. This focus on legality is essential for long-term compliance and success.

García Lozano explained that the selection of suppliers is a crucial process carried out in collaboration with the development and innovation department. This ensures that the components meet the necessary technical specifications. Once a business relationship is established, periodic evaluations are conducted that consider delivery times, pricing, and responsiveness to requests.

'Constant communication between different areas, such as production, warehousing, and finance, is essential to coordinate activities in the importation of new products and projects, as well as in exports,' she affirmed.

Luz Berenice also highlights current challenges, such as the regulations and permits required for certain imported products, like steel.

'Communication and coordination are essential to address these challenges,' she commented. She stressed that continuous training and a commitment to professional development are indispensable, which includes working towards obtaining the IMMEX program.

Furthermore, the development of GPA’s Distribution Center 'CEDI' has been fundamental for efficient inventory management. Today, managing inventory is one of the industry’s major challenges, as it allows for effective control of maximums and minimums while avoiding the accumulation of slow-moving stock.

The International Purchasing Department at Grupo GPA is a vital engine for the group’s success, ensuring the availability of quality components while meeting the highest legal standards.

Luz Berenice García Lozano and her team are prepared for both current and future challenges, continuing their growth and contributing to the ongoing success of Grupo GPA

Robotic plasma cutting not only represents a technological evolution in terms of speed and precision but also offers companies the flexibility needed to adapt to dynamic and demanding markets.

In many cases, programming a single piece used to take weeks. However, recent advances in offline programming software have revolutionized this landscape. What once took weeks can now be configured in minutes, opening the door to the use of robots in low-volume manufacturing processes and high-mix applications.

Plasma cutting is a technology that uses an ionized gas jet to efficiently cut metals. When integrated into a robotic system, it offers significant advantages:

• Speed and Precision: The ability to program the robot in minutes allows for quick adjustments and precise cuts, adapting to different geometries and material thicknesses.
• Cost Reduction: Automation reduces the dependence on intensive manual labor and minimizes errors, resulting in higher operational efficiency and less material waste.
• Application Flexibility: Ideal for low-volume, high-variety projects, the system adapts to various configurations and production processes.
• Continuous Improvement: The integration of state-of-the-art software technologies facilitates the updating and optimization of processes, allowing for an agile response to market demands.

The use of robotic plasma cutting extends to a wide range of industrial applications, including:

• Cutting Metal Structures: Ideal for applications such as domes, beams, and other structural components.
• Welding and Assembly: Used in the automotive industry and other industrial applications to prepare parts before welding.
• Machining Operations: Surface preparation and precise adjustments on metal pieces.

In the agricultural sector, tractors, trucks, and irrigation systems have long been the backbone of production. However, plasma cutting technology is emerging as a key ally for the maintenance and repair of equipment, ensuring their operability and extending their lifespan.

The integration of plasma cutting into agricultural practices marks a significant change, allowing for fast and precise interventions that optimize operational efficiency. Among its most relevant applications are:

• Plasma Grooving: This process removes metal using a plasma arc, achieving smooth and clean cuts in materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Compared to other methods, it generates less noise and waste, improving precision.
• Extended Reach Cutting: Extended consumables (approximately an extra 76 mm) facilitate work in confined spaces, offering greater visibility and accessibility in structures such as channels, beams, and fences.
• Flush Cutting: With the proper tools, it is possible to remove protrusions and welded accessories without damaging the surface of the material, reducing the need for multiple passes and speeding up the process.

Implementing plasma cutting technology in agricultural operations offers clear competitive advantages:

• Agile and Precise Maintenance: It allows for immediate repairs on critical systems, such as irrigation equipment and agricultural machinery, minimizing downtime and increasing productivity.
• Increased Machinery Durability: Efficient maintenance extends the lifespan of equipment, reducing repair and replacement costs.

Plasma cutting technology is revolutionizing the agricultural sector by providing practical and efficient solutions for maintaining machinery and structures. With tools like those from GPA Cutting Systems, farmers and ranchers can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and extend the lifespan of their equipment.

The adoption of these innovations not only improves productivity but also boosts the sector’s competitiveness, preparing it for future challenges. For more information on how plasma cutting can transform your agricultural operation, contact a Hypertherm expert.

Metal 3D printing is transforming the industry with innovative solutions that optimize production and reduce costs. In alliance with leading companies in the aerospace and agro-industrial sectors, we have driven significant advances in the manufacturing of highly resistant, lightweight, and efficient parts.

Our comprehensive approach ranges from 3D printing supply to specialized consulting and support in advanced manufacturing processes. This synergy with the industry accelerates innovation and redefines production standards.

One of the main attributes of this technology is its ability to manufacture optimized structures with weight reductions of 40% to 60%, which translates into direct benefits such as:

• Lower Material Consumption: Optimized designs minimize waste compared to traditional methods.
• Lighter and More Resistant Structures: Advanced geometries maximize efficiency without the need for additional reinforcements.
• Fuel Savings and Emission Reductions: In the aerospace sector, weight reduction directly impacts fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
• On-Demand Production: Additive manufacturing allows for the production of parts as needed, eliminating the need for large inventories and reducing storage costs.

Industrial 3D printing makes it possible to create components that would be unfeasible with conventional techniques. Its most notable applications include:

• Optimized Parts: Enhancing performance while reducing resource consumption.
• High-Wear Components: Manufactured with customized alloys for increased durability.

Additionally, this process uses only the exact amount of metal required, minimizing waste and promoting more sustainable and efficient production.

Metal 3D printing represents a revolution in manufacturing, offering lighter, stronger, and more functional parts with less waste and optimized costs. Its adoption not only improves operational efficiency but also drives a more innovative and sustainable industry.

In the machinery and equipment industry, precision is a key factor. Every millimeter counts, and at Grupo GPA, our metrology laboratory plays an essential role in ensuring quality in every component.

This laboratory is the nerve center of precision, where each piece is rigorously measured and verified to meet demanding standards. A minimal error in manufacturing can lead to costly failures and affect the performance of the entire machinery.

At GPA, the metrology laboratory produces dimensional reports and part markings using state-of-the-art equipment such as the Faro Edge CMM, a key tool in the metalworking industry.

This advanced system allows for precise scanning and millimeter measurement, generating detailed reports on the dimensions and key characteristics of the manufactured parts. Its ability to operate in the field, in real time, facilitates immediate adjustments and ensures that specifications are optimally met.

The Faro Edge CMM also plays a fundamental role in marking parts, enabling the incorporation of codes, serial numbers, and key information for the traceability of each component. This is essential for inventory control and tracking the product life cycle&mdashfrom manufacturing to installation and maintenance.

Additionally, the laboratory is equipped with a wide range of calibrated and certified instruments, such as micrometers, calipers, and brightness meters, ensuring reliable measurements that meet the specific tolerances requested by clients.

At GPA, we understand that the synergy between metrology and innovation is key to maintaining competitiveness. Every development must undergo rigorous quality and precision controls before being implemented in production processes.

Metrology not only guarantees excellence in the metalworking industry but also drives continuous improvement and operational efficiency. With advanced technologies and a highly trained team, Grupo GPA ensures that every piece meets the highest quality standards, reinforcing our commitment to the industry.

In the metal-cutting industry, both plasma and laser technologies are widely used. Each offers advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of material, thickness, and the level of precision required. Laser cutting generally provides superior quality, but plasma cutting meets most of the customer requirements. While laser is ideal for thin metals, plasma is more efficient for thicker materials.

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Plasma Cutting:
1. Produces a cut quality within the ISO 9013 range of 2-4.
2. Rivals fiber laser cutting and meets most industrial requirements.
3. Requires minimal secondary operations for weld preparation.
4. Produces smooth, straight edges.
5. Generates minimal oxide and slag layers.

Laser Cutting:
1. Produces a cut quality within the ISO 9013 range of 1-2.
2. Offers benefits of a finer cut size and low angularity.
3. Provides high precision and accuracy.
4. Excellent quality for cutting thin metals.
5. For materials thicker than 12-16 mm, the finish is rougher with more slag.

Both systems allow for cutting complex shapes, but laser cutting requires cleaner materials, whereas plasma can cut through imperfect materials.

Additional Considerations:

Plasma Cutting:

• Offers greater separation distance, reducing interference.
• Can cut stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and other metals.
• Can cut painted, oxidized, or coated materials.

Laser Cutting:

•  Can cut, engrave, and mark.
•  Ideal for intricate shapes and fine details.
•  Compatible with steel, aluminum, copper, plastics, and composites.

Ideal Applications:

Plasma:
Suitable for thick materials (12-16 mm) and high-speed cutting applications.

Laser:
Best for thin materials (less than 12-16 mm) where extreme precision is required.

The best choice depends on the application. Both systems offer significant advantages, but the decision depends on the type of material, the required level of precision, and the available budget. Plasma is a more economical, safe option for thicker materials, while laser cutting is ideal for precise cuts in thinner materials despite its higher investment cost.

At Grupo GPA, excellence and continuous improvement are fundamental pillars of our commitment to quality. As part of this philosophy, we hold the ISO 9001:2015 certification, an international standard that validates our quality management processes and allows us to guarantee high-level products and services for our clients.

The ISO 9001:2015 standard is a globally recognized quality management system. Its focus is on continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and the optimization of internal processes. By adopting this standard, companies ensure that every stage of their operation aligns with the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

ISO 9001:2015 certification enables us to: 

• Guarantee quality in every production and service process.
• Optimize operational efficiency, reducing waste and improving performance.
• Meet customer expectations by ensuring that their requirements are met to world-class standards.
• Continuously improve by evaluating and adjusting our procedures to stay at the forefront of the industrial sector.

Maintaining the ISO 9001:2015 certification requires constant audits by accredited bodies. At Grupo GPA, we conduct periodic reviews to ensure compliance with the standard and to implement improvements based on audit findings.

This reaffirms our commitment to quality and our position as a benchmark in the industry. For our clients, ISO 9001:2015 certification is a seal of trust and security, ensuring that our products and services meet the highest quality standards.

For our employees, it represents an organizational culture based on efficiency, order, and continuous improvement—fostering a structured and productive work environment. Certification is not merely a requirement but a work philosophy that drives the evolution and growth of our company.

Grupo GPA continues to strengthen its presence in the industrial sector by participating in various key exhibitions both within and outside Mexico. With the goal of consolidating its market positioning and expanding its network of clients and strategic partners, the company has confirmed its participation in important fairs during 2025.

The exhibition schedule begins in April with its participation in Feria Aeroespacial México (FAMEX), held in Mexico City. This event is a crucial platform for the aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector, where GPA will be able to demonstrate its capacity to offer innovative solutions to this highly technical industry.

In May, the company will be present at Fabtech México in Monterrey, the most important event in the metalworking industry in the country, gathering leading manufacturers, suppliers, and experts in manufacturing, cutting, and welding technologies.

Subsequently, in September, Grupo GPA will cross borders by participating in Fabtech Chicago, one of the most relevant global fairs in manufacturing technology. This event will provide the opportunity to explore new trends, technologies, and international clients.

Finally, in November, GPA will return to Mexico to participate in Expo Agroalimentaria in Irapuato. This event is a key meeting point for the agro-industrial sector, allowing the company to diversify its applications and strengthen its presence in this crucial sector for the national economy.

Participation in these exhibitions not only allows Grupo GPA to showcase its capabilities and technological advancements but also reinforces its commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence. Interacting with industry experts, potential clients, and strategic partners further solidifies its position as a benchmark in metalworking and precision engineering solutions.

With these actions, the company reaffirms its leadership in the industry and its vision for growth, consolidating its presence in both national and international markets. Its focus on technology, quality, and customer proximity continues to drive its expansion and success in the sector.

In the dynamic world of industry, few companies manage to combine tradition, innovation, and expansion like GRUPO GPA. With over 30 years of market experience, this diversified company has established itself as a benchmark in the development of complex technological solutions, excelling in the design and conceptualization of high-tech machinery. Its commitment to human talent and innovation is evident in every project and within the company’s very structure.

GRUPO GPA has three production plants located in the heart of the Bajío. The main plant, located in León, is the nucleus from which the conceptualization, design, and manufacturing of complex projects are executed. Additionally, the facility in Silao reinforces the company’s operational capacity, while the newest plant in Puerto Interior marks an important milestone in its expansion process.

This latest facility, recently inaugurated, incorporates a scaling center for 'mentefactura'—designed to boost the generation of new ideas and transform knowledge into high value-added solutions. In its initial stage, this center will have 150 collaborators, joining the approximately 600 employees that currently make up GRUPO GPA’s talented team.

The recent inauguration of the scaling center for mentefactura is a clear indication of the company’s forward-looking vision. With a robust structure and a committed team, the company is well positioned to face the challenges of the fourth industrial revolution, integrating digitalization and automation processes into its operations. This push toward innovation will not only consolidate its leadership in the sector but also open up new opportunities for the development of advanced technologies and customized solutions.

Its expansion in the Bajío and the implementation of innovation centers are a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in the industrial world. There is no doubt that GPA will continue to be a benchmark and a driving force for change in the technological and manufacturing landscape.

In the competitive industrial sector, excellence in technical service has become a key differentiator. One company that has successfully consolidated this advantage is the one that continuously invests in training its personnel, thereby ensuring preventive and corrective maintenance of high-tech machinery across the country. This commitment not only reinforces the reliability of its products but also boosts operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

One of the most notable strengths of GPA TECHNICAL SERVICES is its extensive national coverage, which allows it to serve clients in various regions quickly and accurately. The implementation of a robust technical service ensures that each machine manufactured receives regular preventive maintenance and, when necessary, swift and effective corrective interventions. This service model is vital to avoid downtime in client operations, leading to higher productivity and resource optimization.

The emphasis on training is further reinforced through strategic alliances with industry leaders such as Hypertherm and Fanuc. These collaborations exemplify how the synergy between high-caliber organizations can elevate training and technical service standards to even more sophisticated levels.

Hypertherm, globally recognized for its cutting and material processing solutions, brings its expertise and state-of-the-art technology to automation. Meanwhile, Fanuc, a global leader in industrial robotics and automation systems, complements this effort with its deep knowledge in automated processes. Collaborating with these technological giants not only enriches the technical staff’s knowledge but also provides access to advanced tools and innovative methodologies that optimize maintenance execution.

By integrating the expertise and technologies from Hypertherm and Fanuc, the technical team becomes a true engine of innovation, capable of implementing complex and customized solutions that enhance the performance of the manufactured machinery.

In a world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, having a well-trained technical team with access to the latest in automation is a guarantee of quality and performance. These collaborations further strengthen this capability, making sophisticated training possible to meet modern industry demands.

This blend of innovation, talent development, and commitment to excellence not only reinforces GPA’s market position but also lays the groundwork for a future filled with opportunities and overcome challenges.

The AS 9100 standard, recognized worldwide, sets the requirements for a quality management system specifically designed for the aerospace industry. This standard covers critical aspects such as risk management, quality control in manufacturing processes, component traceability, and ensuring safety at every stage of the product lifecycle.

By obtaining AS 9100 certification, the CEI AEROSPACE business unit part of GRUPO GPA demonstrates its ability to meet the highest standards of quality and reliability required in the aerospace sector.

The implementation and certification of the AS 9100 standard have a multifaceted impact on the industry:

• Safety and Reliability: The rigor of the processes and controls implemented ensures that every product manufactured meets the safety requirements demanded in the aerospace field. This is essential to minimize risks and ensure the integrity of both aircraft and their operators.
• Market Trust: The certification serves as a seal of trust for clients and strategic partners. Companies and airlines can be confident they are working with a supplier committed to excellence a critical factor in a sector where safety is paramount.
• Process Optimization: Adopting the AS 9100 standard drives continuous improvement of internal processes. The company is compelled to review and optimize every stage of production, resulting in increased operational efficiency and reduced waste and errors.
• Global Competitiveness: In a globalized market, having international certifications such as AS 9100 strategically positions the company against its competitors.

This recognition not only opens up new business opportunities in international markets but also strengthens the reputation of the national industry in the aerospace arena.