The Automotive Cluster of Guanajuato (CLAUGTO) held the Automotive Congress Claugto (CAC): "The New Era of Organizations" and the Automotive Supply Forum (FPA) virtually, with the aim of promoting the development of the national industry and, more specifically, the state's industry.

The first edition of the Claugto Automotive Congress took place virtually on August 17, 18, 19, 25, and 26. It consisted of a series of conferences and workshops focused on various industries, aiming to provide valuable tools for decision-makers.

On the other hand, our objective was to inform, train, and update our associates and the supply chain of the automotive industry in Mexico, based on the context of current trends worldwide through high-content conferences.

This time, there were 19 conferences and 5 workshops. It is worth noting that the topics revolved around the 5 committees managed in Claugto: Asset Security, Human Capital, Operational Excellence, Purchasing, and Suppliers. We also included other industries through general content.

We had our own platform for attendees to connect and watch the presentations in real time; in case they couldn't watch them at the moment, the conferences were recorded on the platform until September 26 for later viewing. In this event, 772 users participated, of which 683 are from Guanajuato.

Regarding the FPA, the eighth edition started on September 6th and ended on the 10th. Its purpose is to promote the economic development of the State through the connection of buyers and suppliers in B2B business meetings.

There were 1288 meetings, with the participation of 189 buyers from 113 buying companies and 652 suppliers from 616 companies. 345 suppliers and 148 buyers were from Guanajuato. Around 10 countries were involved.

We have more than 3,000 business opportunities for:

• Direct: Parts manufactured and used in automobiles.

• Indirect: Parts manufactured and used for the assembly or manufacturing process of the car.

• Services: Companies dedicated to providing necessary services for the proper functioning of sector enterprises.

As a conclusion, we held the Business Networking Claugto FPA2021, which consisted of a comprehensive program. As a first step, around 100 buyers and suppliers from State companies were welcomed to participate in the conference "Labor Peace: Significant changes in Labor Reform and its implementation in the industry", given by Adriana Carrasco, HR Manager of Kromberg & Schubert Irapuato.

Highlighted as important points for labor peace were: Out-of-court agreements; free affiliation to unions; guarantee of freedom of collective bargaining; design, planning, and implementation of the Federal Conciliation and Labor Registry Center; inalienable rights; employer obligations; CFDI payroll receipts; mandatory rest; worker discounts; individual employment contracts; rescission without responsibility for the employer; gender equality; noticeably improper actions.

Adriana has over 20 years of experience in various areas of Human Resources; specializing in E-leadership to drive cultural changes within organizations. She has worked as a consultant and training provider for major companies such as John Deere, Pepsi, Cooper Standard, Master Trim, among others.

Subsequently, a networking session was conducted, coordinated by Enrique Gutiérrez, founder of HomoLab, a company dedicated to facilitating the growth and evolution of organizations through consultancy in organizational development and innovation, talent formation and development, and talent attraction.

Through various dynamics, suppliers and buyers presented their services and needs respectively, with the aim of getting to know each other and exploring the possibility of collaboration.

As a closing remark, Rolando Alaniz, president of Claugto, offered some words, highlighting some of the current challenges of the industry, as well as the value of developing proposals that drive the local industry and economy.

Later, Mario De La Cruz, president of the Claugto Purchasing Committee, and Luis Díaz, president of the Claugto Suppliers Committee, awarded certificates to companies with Claugto Accreditation: 

• Solutions at your service

• Contyquim

• Air Equipment Center

• Binasa Bearings and Spare Parts

• RAC Group

• Novatec Pagani

• Mexipack

• Hymiasa

• Ecogroup

• SMC

• Montsanz

• Mexican Customs Law Firm

• Marcit

• Noba Fumigation

• Packaging Store

• Algebasa

• EcoCardboard Packaging

• Fortipack

• Performance oil service

• León Textiles

• Omron

• Solder Group

• Witzenmann Metal Products Mexico

• Aldo Transport

Alfredo Arzola, CEO of Claugto, thanked those present and offered recognition, as well as a farewell to Luis Díaz, as he will soon be joining new projects, leaving a great legacy in the Suppliers Committee. 

To conclude, Froylán Salas, Undersecretary for the Development of SMEs, closed the Claugto Automotive Congress and the 2021 Automotive Supply Forum.

Aldo Transport served as the official sponsor of the event, Grupo RAC also provided its services for the event logistics, and G100 offered the space where it took place. Therefore, Claugto extends its gratitude to them. 

We also thank our strategic allies: the Government of Guanajuato through the Ministry of Sustainable Economic Development; APIMEX, the Municipality of León, and the Municipality of Celaya. 

As sponsors of FPA2021 and CAC, the following companies joined: Aldo Transport, Novatec Pagani, Iberdrola Mexico, Packaging Store, Monex, Uniformes Viva, City Express Hotels, Estafeta, Elcco Group, Purifika, Noba Fumigation, Stache Lion, OCS, Universidad De La Salle Bajío, VCIMXA, SIT Consultants, XOE Consultants, Schellenecke, and Nephosit.

Additionally, we had the support of various allied media: Cluster Industrial, Directorio Automotriz, Mexico Business, Somos Industria, Visión Industrial, and Mexico Industry.