Canacintra Seeks to Support the Industry in Puebla

Given the current difficult situation facing the automotive industry in Puebla—particularly the Volkswagen Mexico plant—due to cuts in production shifts, it is necessary to explore other areas of innovation in an effort to diversify the local economy, said Carlos Sosa Spínola, president of the National Chamber of the Manufacturing Industry (Canacintra).

Sosa Spínola brought together key sectors of the local economy with the aim of helping them absorb the workforce that had to leave the German plant at the end of August. In total, 611 Volkswagen workers ceased working at the plant.

I would like to emphasize that for the past five years, Canacintra has recommended that Puebla’s highly mature and developed manufacturing sector serve as a national leader.

Despite the current situation facing the automotive industry, he said, there are other productive sectors that enhance Puebla’s competitiveness.

However, he acknowledged that Volkswagen de Mexico and the more than 180 suppliers based in Puebla generate approximately 90,000 direct jobs.

Similarly, he explained that the local industrial sector as a whole accounts for 800,000 direct and indirect jobs, which is why they must focus on more sectors that supply not only the local market but also leading companies in other states.

The head of Canacintra acknowledged that 50% of GDP comes from the automotive industry; as this sector has been affected globally—as seen with Volkswagen—it has had a ripple effect on sectors that are part of the production chain.

I believe that, given the current stability of the Mexican peso, companies must remain competitive by boosting productivity, diversifying their markets, and managing foreign exchange risk.

I believe that, given the current stability of the Mexican peso, companies must remain competitive by boosting productivity, diversifying their markets, and managing foreign exchange risk.