Queretaro Reaches Out to Aerospace Industry

QUERETARO – The incorporation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into the supply chain of the aerospace industry is one of the strategies developed in Querétaro to boost the growth of this sector.

The head of the Secretariat of Sustainable Development (Sedesu), Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, explained that in collaboration with the Aeroclúster of Querétaro, alternatives are being studied in order to develop SMEs companies to supply the requirements of the industry.

Increasing the competitiveness of SMEs is one of the main objectives, as it is an industry that demands high quality standards and certifications.

Therefore, developing a strong industrial fabric, by linking SMEs with large value chains, is a priority purpose for this industry, stated the Aeroclúster de Querétaro.

Of the 61 cluster partners reported at the end of 2018, 52.5% are SMEs, while 47.5% are large companies.

The main SMEs of the cluster recorded strong growth during last year, recording a 43.8% increase in annual sales going from US$1.30 million in 2017 to US$1.87 million in 2018, according to the Aerocluster of Queretaro.

In other news, Mexican aerospace companies will now be able to access certification processes coordinated by the European Aerospace Safety Agency (EASA).

Thus, it will be possible for Queretaro-based firms to be certified in manufacturing processes for the industry and aircraft maintenance models, explained the secretary of Sustainable Development, Marco Antonio del Prete Tercero.

In this context, the signing of a collaboration agreement between the EASA, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC), the Presidency of Mexico and the Government of Querétaro became official.

Through the short-term agreement, local companies are expected to seek certification through the European agency, generating alternatives to the certification of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The attraction of European aerospace companies is another of the medium-term objectives posed by the link between the agency and the Queretaro government.

“Aerospace certified companies have more potential in terms of sales. It is not only about developing aerospace SMEs, it has to do with seeking as well, to attract more aerospace companies to the state, “he said.

Source: El Economista