EMSNOW Mexico: Executive Interview with Victor Madero, SMTVYS

SMTVYS is a supplier of production equipment for the electronics industry in Mexico and the U.S. EMSNOW caught up with its founder and CEO Victor Madero to learn more about his company and to get his insights into trends and forecasts for the industry in these exciting times.

 

EMSNOW: Tell us about your background in the electronics industry in Mexico.

I hold a degree in Electromechanical Engineering, as well as a Master’s in International Business, along with advanced certifications in Quality Project Management, Six Sigma Black Belt, and manufacturing technologies. My journey in manufacturing began in 2008 in the automotive industry, where I worked with global firms to set up operations in Mexico. My focus was on optimizing supply chain processes and integrating local talent into international production standards.

In 2010, I started working as a sales and service engineer at my father's company, SMT Ventas y Servicio, specializing in the printed circuit board (PCB) sector in northern Mexico. During this time, I developed new accounts and installed numerous machines for various customers and industries, primarily focusing on used equipment.

In 2014, I decided to part ways with SMT Ventas y Servicio and founded a new company, SMTVYS. The primary mission of SMTVYS is to provide smart solutions for the PCB manufacturing industry, helping Mexican companies establish themselves as reliable suppliers for the North American market. I firmly believe that North America has the potential to become a global leader in electronics manufacturing by leveraging its geographical advantages, skilled workforce, and advancing technological capabilities. I am passionate about bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing methods and emerging technologies, ensuring that Mexico and North America remain competitive in the global market.

In line with this vision, I am actively involved with the Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) in Mexico, particularly in the Juárez and Chihuahua regions. As the current Chapter President, my role focuses on promoting education, training, and fostering strong relationships between industry players, suppliers, government entities, and educational institutions.

EMSNOW: Tell us about your company and your role within SMTVYS.

I am CEO and Founder of SMTVYS, my primary role is to lead the company in identifying emerging trends and ensuring our clients have access to the latest manufacturing technologies. This includes managing partnerships with global leaders in SMT equipment and fostering strong relationships with our customers to help them optimize their production lines and stay competitive in an evolving market.

SMTVYS stands for “Surface Mount Technology Visionary and Solutions”; and our mission is to provide cutting-edge equipment, services, and technical expertise to the electronics manufacturing industry in Mexico and America. We specialize in delivering tailored solutions for the assembly and testing of electronic components, particularly in high-tech industries like automotive, telecommunications, and consumer electronics. Our company is not just a distributor and partner but a full-service partner. We provide end-to-end solutions, including consulting, installation, maintenance, and training. This holistic approach sets us apart and reinforces our reputation as a trusted advisor to the electronics manufacturing community.

 

EMSNOW: What new products has SMTVYS introduced recently?

At SMTVYS, we are introducing new solutions this year through our partnerships with global leaders in Rework and X-Ray inspection for BGA, including VJ Electronics and PDR. Additionally, we provide a range of tools including nozzles and tooling for the pick-and-place and printing processes in SMT. SAN EI Tech from Japan, which also offers coating and dispensing valves for high-efficiency and extremely delicate applications. In material storage and handling, Hanwha presents solutions with NEOTEL, while SANCO offers linear motor dispensing and coating solutions. NO2 systems from South TEK, depaneling from AUROTEK, and recently upgraded technology from Dediprog for improved performance in IC programming and repackaging are also part of our expanded offerings.

 

EMSNOW: Mexico has gotten a lot of attention as tensions between the U.S. and China have increased. Are you seeing that having an impact on your business?

Of course, we saw an impact of the heightened U.S.-China tensions that have significantly disrupted the electronics manufacturing industry, with supply chain decoupling and export controls driving increased production costs and complexity. Companies are shifting production to alternative regions like Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico and India, but this raises costs due to new investments. Parallel technological ecosystems and stricter regulations further complicate global operations, forcing businesses to adapt to bifurcated standards.

With the new US president and with its geographic proximity, as well-established trade agreements like the USMCA, and competitive labor costs, Mexico in 2025 is increasingly attractive for companies seeking to reduce dependency on China and mitigate supply chain risks. Mexico will receive investments from manufacturing hubs, particularly along the northern border and industrial regions like Nuevo León and Baja California, are growing, supported by the country’s robust infrastructure and skilled workforce as well; this will create a lot of demand for equipment and automation for the country and will reflect on more business.

EMSNOW: Who are your customers? What trends can you tell me about?

Our target customers are high technology EMS, EMS, OEMS companies established in Mexico as well as the USA; we have been working with most of the companies established in Mexico but few in the USA. The trend in the Mexico market is to continue with the nearshoring movement which will also strengthen collaboration between Mexican and U.S. companies, resulting in shared investments in infrastructure, energy solutions, and workforce training. Such partnerships are expected to create a more interconnected and agile manufacturing ecosystem across North America. However, the surge in demand will intensify competition for skilled labor, prompting manufacturers to invest in talent development programs and upskilling initiatives to ensure a robust and capable workforce

EMSNOW: What kind of business conditions is the industry in Mexico experiencing? Most are reporting that things are slow. Do you expect business to pick up in 2025?

In 2024, manufacturing production between Mexico and the U.S. experienced a slowdown due to a combination of global economic pressures, tighter monetary policies, and supply chain disruptions. Rising interest rates in both countries constrained investment and consumer demand, while inflationary pressures increased production costs. Looking ahead to 2025, the manufacturing sector is poised for recovery, driven by stabilizing inflation, easing monetary policies, and a continued shift toward nearshoring. Mexico, in particular, is expected to attract increased investments in advanced manufacturing sectors such as electronics, automotive, and industrial equipment, bolstered by its competitive labor market and proximity to the U.S. By capitalizing on these opportunities, manufacturing between Mexico and the U.S. is forecasted to achieve moderate to strong growth, reinforcing the region’s role as a key player in the global supply chain.

EMSNOW: What areas do you expect to see growth in 2025?

Looking forward in 2025 we saw a big jump on automation since the labor cost and regulations are driving the industry is moving on for automation. The automotive sector, driven by the shift to electric vehicles (EVs), will lead this growth, while the electronics industry will capitalize on demand for localized production to enhance supply chain resilience. Additionally, smart manufacturing technologies, including robotics and AI- driven processes, will drive efficiency and scalability, enabling the region to compete more effectively on a global scale. Collaborative efforts in workforce development, infrastructure, and sustainability will further bolster this growth, making the region a cornerstone for North American manufacturing.

EMSNOW: Your company sells a wide range of equipment and parts. How does that help your customer base?

The nearshoring will bring a lot of new manufacturing companies to the region. This will create a demand on different products, equipment and services. These new companies will look for local suppliers and this opportunity will bring new customers to our company or will grow our current customer business volume.

EMSNOW: What else would you like to say to the EMSNOW audience?

In 2025, Mexico’s manufacturing sector is forecasted to experience robust growth, driven by nearshoring trends, increased foreign investment, and rising demand in industries such as automotive, electronics, and industrial machinery as we discussed before. This expansion will be concentrated in key regions like Nuevo León, Chihuahua, and Baja California, where proximity to the U.S., skilled labor, and infrastructure enhancements create a competitive edge. However, challenges such as labor shortages, energy demands, and the need for compliance with bifurcated global standards could hinder progress. To capitalize on this growth, businesses should invest in workforce development, adopt smart manufacturing technologies, and prioritize sustainable practices. By addressing these challenges, Mexico can strengthen its position as a critical player in North America’s manufacturing ecosystem, fostering long-term resilience and competitiveness.