JASO Expertise

Interview with Victor Abellaner, Manager of Bascomex

07 April 2022

Abellaner recently joined JASO Mexico as General Manager. We spoke with him to learn about the company's objectives and challenges in this market.

Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been General Manager of JASO-Bascomex? What were you doing before this position?

I started my career at JASO Mexico in October 2021. I come from the automotive sector, where I have spent the last 20 years as General Manager in different companies.

 

We are in a time of uncertainty given the Covid-19 crisis, the war in Ukraine and the cost of energy and raw materials, which has had an irremediable impact on a globalized world. What is the current situation of JASO-Bascomex?

The general stoppage of the economy due to the Covid-19 crisis has impacted us all, also here in Mexico, but since the end of 2021 we are seeing signs of recovery in the market that make us optimistic for the future.

Regarding the war in Ukraine, as Mexico is next to the US, its effects have not been felt much for the moment and we expect that this will continue to be the case.

 

How do you see the current outlook for industrial cranes in the Mexican market?

I see the Mexican market with great growth potential. It is a dynamic economy with strong industrial activity, especially in the northern zone and in El Bajío, where many companies in the automotive sector are setting up, which, together with traditional industries, means that the demand for cranes remains stable.

 

Currently, what are the most requested equipment by Mexican companies?

Mainly rope hoist cranes and open trolleys of 5, 10, 20 and 40 MT for the steel distribution industry and the automotive sector. There is also a strong demand for process cranes for steelworks, a sector that maintains a high level of investment.

 

Looking back over these more than 30 years, how much equipment have you sold?

JASO Mexico has a strong presence in the country with more than 1000 cranes installed. Our characteristic product is the 5, 10, 20 and 40 MT rope hoist crane, although we are seeing an increasing demand for special features from the customer.

 

Which sectors are currently more important for you?

The most important sectors for us are steel transformation and distribution, automotive and construction.

 

What are the most important recent projects in which you have participated?

At the moment we are carrying out several projects with customers in the steel sector and others, which involve a high workload for our factory. I would also highlight projects within the automotive sector, with high complexity in automation.

 

In addition to the Mexican market, does JASO-Bascomex operate in any other country?

Our focus is on the Mexican market, although we occasionally provide services to neighboring countries such as the U.S., Guatemala or Cuba.

 

What would you say is the added value of JASO-Bascomex? Or to put it another way, why do clients choose JASO-Bascomex?

On the one hand, it’s the quality of the equipment; JASO stands out from the competition because of the robustness of its equipment. On the other hand, the high level of after-sales service, providing fast and flexible customer service.

 

Tell us: What improvements have been made, what new technologies have been incorporated?

We are currently immersed in a process of expansion of our facilities that will allow us to increase our stock levels of spare crane parts and hoists to improve our service and reduce delivery times.

 

Last question: Where do you think the industrial crane sector in the Mexican market will go in the future?

The values that continue to prevail in the sector are the robustness of the equipment and after-sales service. Although it is true that the sector is moving towards greater complexity in the equipment, demanding automation and monitoring of cranes, it still does so in a timid manner. In any case, at JASO Mexico we are preparing for this, increasing our staff of engineers to be prepared for these new challenges that lie ahead.

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