Can you provide us with updates about First Quality Chemicals?

We are a distributor in Mexico of specialty chemicals, sourcing materials from around the globe. We store these materials in three warehouses in Mexico: in Estado de Mexico and Monterrey city. We supply customers nationwide, primarily in coatings, adhesives, plastics, polyurethane, inks, resins and personal care. Additionally, we have an application laboratory in Estado de Mexico. Recently, we signed a distribution agreement with Baerlocher, a German multinational company producing plastic additives, specifically heat stabilizers for PVC, lubricants and processing aids and other stabilizers. 

We have participated in and organized several events for our customers. We held technical events called Circo del Color and Circo del Plastico, which were full-day conferences featuring technical presentations for our customers. We were also present at the Latin American Coatings Show to discuss our existing materials and introduce new offerings to our customers. Additionally, we participated in Expo Cosmetica and attended Jornadas Técnicas in Guadalajara. 

What differentiates First Quality Chemicals from its competitors?

We are very attractive to many companies due to our strong position in the Mexican market and our established relationships. For instance, Evonik is the number one company globally in specialty chemicals, and we are their sole distributor in Mexico for two business lines.  Similarly, we represent other leading companies, including Shell. This puts us in a strong position to innovate continuously and bring new materials to the Mexican market.

The importance of our culture cannot be overstated. Our employees are our greatest asset. If we have the best people, we will be significantly more successful. Therefore, our rigorous hiring process includes multiple interviews and psychometric assessments. Once we bring in the best talent, we challenge them to grow and provide numerous training opportunities. 

Can you share your perspective on the current opportunities in the chemical industry?

Currently, we are seeing promising opportunities in various sectors. We expect a considerable increase in the personal care industry, as we have a range of innovative materials for diverse applications. Additionally, we anticipate strong growth in the paper and corrugated industry thanks to a product from our principal, Borregaard, designed to enhance the adhesive performance in that sector. We also focus on expanding our lubricants and waxes business and exploring thermoplastic polyurethane opportunities. Furthermore, we are discussing how to grow our persulfate business and also are promoting exciting materials from our principal Sukano that promote plastic recycling. This is vital for our sustainability initiatives, and we are committed to reducing global warming by participating in the recycling of plastics and circular economy. Additionally, we offer antioxidants and UV stabilizers that extend the lifespan of plastics, further supporting sustainability efforts. We also witness significant growth in the flame-retardant business.

What are your thoughts on the business environment in Mexico?

Mexico’s economy has gone through some challenging times. Over the last six years, our GDP growth has been less than 1 % per year, which is quite concerning. We face challenges, and I hope the new administration will make decisions that foster a better environment for business. Companies must know that their investments are secure, particularly regarding legal frameworks. We are competing against countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam for foreign investment, and if Mexico wants to attract investment, we must improve our infrastructure—roads, trains, ports—as our current ports are saturated, and also our power energy capacity.  Reducing bureaucracy and creating a more investor-friendly environment is crucial. I hope the new president recognizes the value of expert advice and makes informed decisions to enhance our country's attractiveness to investors.

How does First Quality Chemicals plan to adapt and grow into the coming year?

Resilience, adaptability and innovation are at the core of our strategy, as we aim to introduce a broad range of new materials to help our customers enhance their performance and product lines. Listening closely to our customers allows us to find opportunities that benefit them and us. We also prioritize providing excellent technical service, leveraging our application laboratory to develop custom formulations tailored to our customers' needs. Partnering with the best global suppliers enhances our capacity to deliver great value. We are confident that with our strategic focus and dedication to innovation, 2025 will be a promising year filled with growth opportunities.