How has Ferreyros’ business been evolving?

Last year, Ferreyros experienced double-digit growth, and in 2024, we have the ambitious goal of reaching US$1.5 billion. We are focused on productivity, transformation, and sustainability. This can be seen, for example, in Peru’s first fleet of autonomous trucks, in its third year of operation, the consolidation of CAT’s giant electric drive trucks, the automation of our Spare Parts Distribution Center and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies in fleet support. We employ nearly 5,000 workers in the country.

In which mining operations is Ferreyros present, and with what equipment?

Our trucks operate in the largest open-pit mines in the country alongside giant electric shovels, hydraulic shovels, drills, and an extensive auxiliary fleet. I would like to mention the outstanding performance of our 400-ton electric drive trucks, the CAT 798, in six world-class Peruvian copper mines. This year, more units of this model have arrived, with more to come, reflecting our customers' endorsement and preference. 

We generate value in the underground market with our CAT LHD loaders. We are preparing to introduce models such as the CAT R2900 XE, with a diesel engine and electric transmission, and the CAT R1700 XE, with batteries, for underground mining.

What have you learned from implementing autonomous fleets in Quellaveco?

Although initially complex, the implementation of autonomous fleets has required a comprehensive approach to route design and constant adaptation to changes in the mine. This process has catalyzed the development of digital and agile skills both in our team and in the mining personnel at Quellaveco, anticipating a promising future with autonomous machines, which are safer, more efficient, and sustainable. 

Could you tell us more about the MineStar platform and the Daris system?

MineStar, Caterpillar’s technological platform, offers several modules. This has evolved from a module that analyzes the machine’s health to include new fleet management, precision, and autonomy modules.

The Daris system, developed by Ferreyros, centralizes data collection from operating machines in Peru’s mines. It constantly manages crucial information, such as speed, fuel consumption, location, machine alarms, and payload. Daris allows us to provide our customers with faster and more effective service while providing valuable inputs to optimize asset management.

What was the result of the Spare Parts Distribution Center automation project?

Last year,  we completed the robotization of our Spare Parts Distribution Center, which supplies Ferreyros’ national network of warehouses directly to customers. This artificial intelligence project with robotization allowed us to automate the processes of input and output of minor spare parts. 100% of the minor spare parts in the CDR are under the automated management of 25 robots, pioneering in our field.

How would you rate the health of the Peruvian mining industry?

Peruvian leaders recognize the possibility of increasing mineral production, especially in copper, through two approaches: launching new projects and optimizing brownfield operations, which are easier, faster, and socially less challenging. Ramping up these operations could increase production by 10%. Implementing this strategy requires short-term and long-term planning, a vision that the Ministry of Energy and Mines has understood and promotes. 

I would like to witness the birth of a new mining project and see how it starts with agreements with both the community and the state. Although the process can be long and despite the difficulties, bringing new projects online is feasible. From Ferreyros, we can contribute by providing confidence to our customers so they know that we will be with them to ensure the success of their operations. We have showcased our capability by launching operations at Quellaveco and Mina Justa practically simultaneously, tackling complex challenges head-on.

Do you have a final message for GBR’s readers?

I would like to highlight the fundamental importance of Ferreyros’ main represented brand, Caterpillar, a world leader in machinery, which we have distributed for 82 years. We are proud of its transformative role in our field, promoting progress, its passion for innovating the industry in search of positive impacts, and the very high standards that characterize it. 

We had the honor of receiving the “Top Dealer Recognition” of the Apex Award from Caterpillar for our performance in mining last year. Likewise, in Caterpillar’s Excellence Programs, we obtained five gold medals in all categories in which we were evaluated: after-sales service, spare parts sales, rental services, marketing and sales, and digital transformation.