Mr Hector, Counsellor of Mexico in China visited Hongji Metal

On 29th July, Mr. Hector J. Dorbecker H., Counsellor of Economic, Technology, New Industries and Financial Affairs of Embassy of Mexico in China visited Hongji and participated in the activity of "Mexican Culture Experience Day". Mr. Steven Xie, Chairman of HONGJI GROUP, Mr Michael Luo, Deputy General Manager, and Mr Louis Yan, Factory Director, accompanied the visit and reception, and representatives of HONGJI's friends, senior management team, and representatives of each factory department participated in the activity.

01 Factory Tour

Firstly, Mr. Hector and his team visited Hongji's factory and learned about the company's production process, equipment and on-site management procedures. Mr. Hector said that Hongji's production technology and management capabilities are impressive, and that these elements are very important for the ongoing technologization process in Mexico.

02 Mexico Culture Experience Day

In order to let everyone personally feel the unique charm of Mexico, the General Manager's Office specially planned a unique cultural activities, carefully selected the rich flavour of the traditional Mexican cuisine taco and crunchy texture of the corn flakes and other food, the site is decorated with a Mexican style photo wall and hats and costumes.

The Mexican Cultural Experience Day was officially opened. Sunny Zhao, Manager of General Manager's Office, acted as the host

Chairman of Hongji Metal  Steven Xie

The event was started by a speech of Mr Steven Xie, Chairman of Hongji Group. Mr Xie expressed his warm welcome and sincere thanks to Mr Hector, Counsellor of Mexico. Mr Xie said that Mr Hector's arrival not only allows us to know more about Mexico, but also strengthens the confidence for Hongji Metal to further increase its investment in Mexico. Mr Xie mentioned in his speech that Hongji has a long history with Mexico. In 2012, Hongji exported its products to Mexico, and in 2015, the first time Hongji operated a factory overseas was in Mexico, and it was successful. This year, Hongji continues to make clear its strategic intention to increase investment in Mexico.

Due to the unique geographical location of Mexico bordering with the United States, having production capacity in Mexico is very helpful for Hongji to further occupy the North American market, and it is an important link on the way to realize Hongji's corporate vision of "a world-class supplier of cold forging and stamping products and solutions".

Mr Xie hoped that through this Mexican cultural experience activity, with the help of Mr Hector's introduction and the experience sharing of colleagues who had been expatriated to Mexico, Hongji team could increase the understanding of Mexico and feel the charm and future of Mexico.

Next, Hongji will set up a modern factory in Coahuila State, Mexico, which integrates various processes including cold heading and stamping, etc. The factory is expected to be put into operation in 2024 by replicating Hongji's more than 20 years of experience and capability in cold heading and stamping in China, and at the same time combining the advantages of Mexico's proximity to the U.S. and its 0-tariff relationship with the U.S., so that it will be able to serve its customers in the North American market more quickly and better.

Renderings of Hongji Saltillo Factory in Mexico

Mr. Hector, Counsellor of Mexico

Mr Hector was invited to deliver a keynote speech introducing Mexico. He said that Hongji and Mexico have been old friends and Mexico treasures the friendship with Hongji. Hongji has already had a successful factory operating in Baja State for eight years. He expressed his appreciation for Hongji's development achievements in Mexico and highly affirmed the company's efforts in enhancing the local employment rate and promoting economic development. He said that the Mexican government will provide strong guarantee and support for Hongji in both Baja State and Coahuila State in the next few years, in anticipation of Hongji's greater success in Mexico.

Photo: Hongji's stamping parts plant in Baja state, which Hongji started operating after the acquisition in 2015 and has been operating successfully for eight years now.

Then, Mr Hector introduced the economic development and future trend of Mexico from the perspective of economic counsellor, mentioning that the amount and quality of foreign investment in Mexico in recent years have continued to rise, and the automobile industry is booming, through which Hongji colleagues deeply feel that Mexico is a hot land full of hope and unlimited possibilities, and increased the desire to go to Mexico.

After that, the event entered into a roundtable forum with the theme of "Uncovering Life in Mexico". Mr. Michael Luo, Deputy General Manager of HONGJI GROUP, acted as the host of the forum and started a dialogue with Mr. Hector, Counsellor, Mr. Jacky Xia, Director of Information Technology Department, and Mr. Andy Zeng, Director of Plant. The three guests answered everyone's curiosity and questions about Mexican culture and life by sharing their personal experiences in Mexico. Other colleagues who had been to Mexico also shared their interesting experiences in Mexico one by one. Through this session, the participants got to know the economy, history, culture and customs of this colorful country of Mexico, deeply felt the friendliness and enthusiasm of the Mexican people, and understood this beautiful country more comprehensively.

（Above: Hongji China staff in Mexico.）

Interaction

In order to let everyone have a deeper experience of Mexican culture, the activity also arranged an interactive session of Spanish learning, in which Blanca, the company's Spanish interpreter, taught everyone to learn a simple Spanish sentence, and the counsellor, Mr. Hector, acted as a judge and selected the two colleagues who spoke in the most standard way. Everyone demonstrated their Spanish speaking ability, and the lucky one who finally won the Mexican tequila was highly envied.

At last, Mr.Steven Xie, the Chairman of Hongji presented Mr Hector with a thanks letter and a gift of Peony Flower Su Embroidery with Chinese characteristics to express gratitude for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Hongji's China factory, as well as for the support and assistance provided for Hongji's development in Mexico.

With the successful conclusion of the activity, Hongji has embarked on a new journey in North America market. With the support and help from the Mexican government, Hongji will build up the production capacity of cold heading parts and expand the production capacity of stamping parts in North America faster and better to serve the customers in North America.