THE BRIGHT WORLD OF METALS sets its sights on Latin America: GIFA Mexico makes its debut from 16 to 18 October 2024 in Mexico City

Düsseldorf/Mexico City, 14 November 2023. Messe Düsseldorf is expanding its global event format in the field of foundry technology to Latin America, thereby marking another important milestone in the internationalisation of the “Bright World of Metals”. From 16 to 18 October 2024, GIFA Mexico will bring together industry experts from around the world at the Centro Citibanamex in Mexico City to showcase a wide range of machinery, plant, materials and technological innovations for various end-user sectors, such as the automotive and construction industries, mechanical engineering, and the ferrous and non-ferrous metals industries. In addition to small and medium-sized enterprises, international industry leaders such as ASK Chemicals, Ajax Tocco, General Kinematics, Haitian, Inductotherm, Vesuvius Foseco, Norican Group, Sinto Group/Tinker Omega and Yizumi have already confirmed their participation. In addition, there will be national pavilions from China, Italy and Spain. The event is being organised in cooperation with the internationally active partner Mexican Foundry Society, A.C. (Sociedad Mexicana de Fundidores, A.C./SMFAC) as a pavilion within the framework of the established Mexican trade fair FUNDIEXPO.

Mexican foundry and automotive supply industries on the road to recovery

According to Bruno Jaramillo, Managing Director of SMFAC, the Mexican foundry industry has successfully recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Following the challenges of 2020 and 2021, which were characterised by a drastic decline in production, the sector is now in a phase of full recovery and in a privileged position, particularly due to the so-called ‘nearshoring’ trend,” said Jaramillo. Global demand for automotive parts is high, as the transport industry is constantly seeking expansion and new business opportunities. Both Mexico and India are key development hubs, which is why demand for foundry products is steadily rising. “Foundries must prepare for nearshoring and recruit qualified staff. At present, only 35 to 40 per cent of automotive component assemblies are manufactured in Mexico,” explains Jaramillo.

The positive outlook for the metal industry goes hand in hand with the need for skilled workers, particularly young people with knowledge of foundry technology and metallurgy. This demand is particularly high in the automotive industry, as Mexico is a key production base for car manufacturers such as Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Mazda, BMW and others. One example of the sector’s growth in Mexico is the recently opened Evercast foundry and automotive parts factory, in which Grupo Industrial Saltillo (GIS) and ZF-TRW have jointly invested 120 million dollars. The plant will manufacture automotive components for braking systems and create hundreds of new jobs. This demonstrates the growth potential of the foundry industry in Mexico.

The rising demand for castings makes Mexico an attractive market for European and German investors. There are currently 1,900 German companies operating in Mexico, and the country is regarded as the USA’s “extended workbench” due to its population, natural resources and strategic location. These are key reasons for Messe Düsseldorf to enter the market in collaboration with its overseas representative office in Mexico. “We are looking forward to the premiere of GIFA Mexico. It is strategically important for us to be present in this market – which is so important to our customers and offers positive growth prospects – with the Bright World of Metals,” explains Malte Seifert, Director of the Metals, Energy & Autonomous Technologies portfolio at Messe Düsseldorf.

GIFA Mexico as a forward-looking platform for the global metalworking and foundry industry

With GIFA MEXICO, SMFAC and Messe Düsseldorf are not only offering companies from Mexico and the region a platform for the global metalworking and foundry industry, but also provide German and European decision-makers with a unique opportunity to tap into business opportunities in one of Latin America’s most dynamic markets. The trade fair showcases a comprehensive range of machinery, equipment, materials and technological innovations, from additive manufacturing and foundry machinery to castings for various end-user industries – from the automotive and construction sectors, through the energy and gas industries, to users in metal and steelworks. It is primarily aimed at decision-makers from foundries, the automotive and vehicle industries, the foundry supply sector and the mechanical engineering sector. GIFA Mexico is set to take place every two years from 2024 onwards. In partnership with GIFA Mexico, FUNDIEXPO is establishing the leading educational platform for the foundry industry in Latin America. A comprehensive programme of on-site conferences and seminars, as well as digital offerings, is aimed at participants from across Latin America. As a special highlight, the World Summit of the global metallurgy and foundry industry will take place at FUNDIEXPO 2024.

FUNDIEXPO

FUNDIEXPO is Mexico’s established leading trade fair and forum for the foundry sector and is organised by the Mexican Foundry Association, Sociedad Mexicana de Fundidores, A.C. (SMFAC), in cooperation with Messe Düsseldorf. At FUNDIEXPO 2022, 350 exhibitors from 15 countries showcased their products and services to more than 6,400 trade visitors.

Anyone wishing to exhibit at GIFA Mexico as part of FUNDIEXPO from 16 to 18 October 2024 can register with Sarah Möller at MoellerS@messe-duesseldorf.de.

Event details

• Venue: Centro Citibanamex, Mexico City, Mexico
• Event dates: to 18 October 2024
• Frequency: Every two years
• Opening hours: – 17 October from 10:00 to 19:00 (for visitors), 18 October from 10:00 to 18:00 (for visitors)

Further information at www.gifa-mexico.com.

GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, NEWCAST 2023

Larissa Browa
Tel: +49 (0)211-4560 549
BrowaL@messe-duesseldorf.de

Alina Schmidt
Tel: +49 (0)211-4560 7176
SchmidtA@messe-duesseldorf.de