Can you update us on Momentive's activities in Mexico since 2023?

Mexico is an important market for Momentive. We are very interested in continuing to invest within the Latin American region. This includes establishing a regional shared service hub in Mexico. There are multiple benefits to doing so: efficiency and competitiveness, time zone, and proximity to the United States. We have a shared service hub in India that has been very successful serving customers in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Mexico, with its proximity to the United States, its competitive labor market, and its mind for technology, is the ideal location to host another shared services hub to serve clients in the Americas region. We opened our new office in Mexico City this year and are committed to attracting great talent with a comfortable and flexible work environment and professional growth opportunities.

Can you discuss some of Momentive's projects across the LATAM region?

We have been working on a sustainability project at our regional flagship production plant in Brazil.  Brazil is a country that is quite advanced in environmental issues and benefits from connections to European exports, making it an essential location for us. We have made great progress in enhancing the site’s sustainability, from reducing energy consumption and emissions, to leveraging clean energy, to educating and including our employees, their families, and the local community in the process. Not only do we believe this is important, our customers are asking for this. We want our facility in Brazil to be a global reference in the sustainability space, to demonstrate we can help protect the planet while still operating efficiently, costing competitively, and developing cutting-edge products and processes.

Can you discuss your outlook on the Mexican automotive sector? 

The market in Mexico has been slower recently as people anticipate potential government actions. There's been a lot of back and forth with global automotive manufacture companies to invest in Mexico, and as vehicles become more sophisticated and lighter, with more technology and plastic components, the demand for specialty materials will continue to increase. At Momentive, we are increasingly specializing our products, customizing materials to produce less friction. In addition, the more automated the cars get, the greater the need for specialized silicone technology. 

How might political change in the US affect Mexico's trade relationships?

Regardless of any political changes, Momentive will continue to enhance how we serve our customers throughout the Americas and beyond. Our investment strategy focuses on expanding our capacity in the region for the region to offer our customers the best service. That is undoubtedly our strategy in Latin America, extending our footprint to future-proof customer relationships.  

What is the significance of Momentive’s recent EcoVadis Gold recognition? 

Receiving the EcoVadis Gold recognition is extremely important for Momentive regionally and globally. Mexico is a hub for multinational companies with footprints in different parts of the world who are increasingly demanding that the companies they work with have carbon footprint reduction goals, environmental targets, and measurements to track progress. The EcoVadis certification measures and proves the steps we are taking and validates Momentive’s customers’ trust. Momentive is constantly working to develop new technologies and materials that are more sustainable. This includes products used in agriculture, beauty and personal care, and electronics and beyond. 

What is the company’s priority for the coming year?

Our tagline is “Solutions for a Sustainable World”TM, and everything we do centers on this. In Mexico, we will continue to deliver on the regional shared service customer hub and continue to enhance how we serve our customers throughout the Americas. We are actively expanding our team here, and estimate that within the next three years, our team may triple in size. Momentive’s growth in Mexico will continue to help increase our manufacturing footprint, and serve customer, as we say, “in region, for region.”