Clackamas, Oregon-based Warn Industries has entered into a contract to establish a manufacturing facility in Mexico under The Offshore Group's ISO 9001:2000 certified Shelter Program in Saltillo, Coahuila.  Warn will initially occupy 25,000 square feet and will employ 70 workers at the La Angostura Industrial Park.

According to John Vandecoevering, the firm's V.P. of Business Development, "Our new Mexican operations will enable us to expand our capacity to meet the growing demand for our products".

Warn Indusries is the world's most recognized brand for off-road products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a full line of off-road equipment that enhances the performance of four-wheel drive vehicles and ATVs.

The Offshore Group's Saltillo company, Manufacturas Zapalinamé, has recently been designated as an "Empresa Certificada" by Mexico's Secretaria de Hacienda y Crédito Público (Mexico's fiscal authority).

According to The Offshore Group's Director of Logistics, Eduardo Saavedra, "Zapas' receipt of this designation will translate into tangible benefits for Offshore Group Saltillo client firms".  Among these are: 

1) The elimination of geographic import restrictions; 

2) The expediting of customs processes; 

3) The reduction of validation requirements for Consolidated     Entries; 

4) The ability to modify country of origin documentation within a specified post-importation time period; and 

5) The flexibility to make post-importation corrections to definitive import documentation.

Less than 5% of importers in Mexico are Empresas Certificadas.  Therefore companies  such as Manufacturas Zapalinamé are held in the highest level of confidence by Mexico's trade authorities.  The Offshore Group's flagship manufacturing site company, Maquilas Tetakawi, S.A. de C.V. in Sonora, was a prior recipient of this designation.

---

11th Annual Manufacturing in Mexico Summit Planning Underway

The Offshore Group is in the process of finalizing the agenda for its upcoming Manufacturing Summit.  Since its inception, The Summit has distinguished itself as the largest gathering of high level manufacturing executives in the Republic of Mexico.

Confirmed speakers for the October 20-23 event include: Thomas Bradtke, Manager, The Boston Consulting Group; former U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Jeffrey Davidow; and Sergio Sarmiento of TV Azteca's editorial board.

The Manufacturing Summit is an opportunity for existing Offshore Group client company executives, as well as manufacturers that are contemplating Mexico projects to meet for the purpose of exchanging vauable information and insights.  Interested parties can keep abreast of program developments by visiting the event website at www.offshoregroup.com/summit.asp

The next regularly scheduled Offshore Group Webinar will take place on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 at 3pm EST.  The session is open to manufacturers considering the initiation of production in Mexico, and consists of a look at the "all-in" cost structure of operating a production facility in the maquiladora industry under The Offshore Group's ISO 9001:2000 certified Shelter Program.   

Pre-registration can be completed on-line at: www.offshoregroup.com/interactive.asp.  Those signing up for the session will be contacted by an Offshore Group representative who will provide instructions for entering the Group's on-line conference center.

In addition to regularly scheduled presentations, The Offshore Group also conducts private sessions  by appointment for qualified manufacturers.  

---

Let Us Know How We are Doing

Leticia Martinez, Offshore Group ISO Management Representative

As a part of ongoing efforts to promote an atmosphere of continuous improvement, The Offshore Group has established a permanent email account to which client firms and their personnel may directly address their complaints, comments, and suggestions. The purpose of establishing this direct and convenient line of communication is to enable The Offshore Group to determine and respond to its Shelter Plan clients' requirements and expectations with greater speed and efficiency.

Please send complaints, suggestions or comments to: ISO@offgroup.com

---

Keep up-to-date on economic, political and business developments with MexicoWatch.

---

We would appreciate your feedback and input regarding the content of the quarterly Intelligence Report. Please Contact Us with your suggestions.

Recommend The Offshore Group Intelligence Report Newsletter
to colleagues click here