Ruben Prieto (Welldex): “Having a comprehensive and flexible offering allows us to build logistics solutions for all the needs of the sector”

Welldex is a high value-added comprehensive logistics operator for the automotive industry with extensive experience in the automotive market in Mexico and the United States. It is now expanding its scope of action to Europe from Spain, as explained by Rubén Prieto, Business Development Director of Welldex Global in Spain.

AutoRevista.- Welldex is a fully consolidated logistics operator for decades in North America. What are the keys to the company's positioning in its place of origin, with a strong base in Mexico and projection into the United States and Canada?

 Rubén Prieto.- Welldex has consolidated its presence in North America, especially in Mexico, through a focus on specialized and personalized logistics for key sectors such as the automotive industry. Our position is based on understanding the needs of the local and regional market, which allows us to offer innovative and adapted solutions, guaranteeing efficient and safe logistics that strengthens our clients' supply chains. Over the years, we have forged alliances with some of the main Tier 1 and Tier 2 in North America, collaborating in their expansion with integrated services, from distribution in Mexico and the United States, inventory management, regional transport, VMI and inventory purchasing. This experience allows us to provide a broad understanding of the automotive sector, optimizing times and costs, and improving visibility throughout the entire logistics process.

 AR.- In its global expansion, it already has a presence in Spain. What do these

implantations mean for growth in the European market?

 R.P.- The start of Welldex operations in Spain is part of the group's global growth strategy. Spain, with its strategic geographic location and access to important transport and communication networks, and as a gateway to the European market, allows us to consolidate an operational base in the European Union, expand our service capacity in the region and strengthen relationships with key players in the automotive sector through our new alliance with SERNAUTO. 

We will strengthen relationships with key players in the automotive sector through our new alliance with SERNAUTO

Firstly, having local partners and experts allows us to adapt our logistics services precisely to the specific needs of each region, which gives us an important competitive advantage. Collaboration with partners at the origin of the logistics chain not only optimizes processes, but also facilitates the customization of our solutions, ensuring that our customers receive a more agile and efficient service.

The start of Welldex operations in Spain is part of the group's global growth strategy

Our presence in Spain is not only a starting point to consolidate expansion in Europe, but, supported by strategic partners and local experts, allows us to offer customized logistics solutions that add real value to our customers.

AR.- Welldex offers a wide range of services from multimodal transport to storage and distribution, including customs clearance. How are you working to compete in new markets with clients in the automotive industry based on an offer of this dimension?

 R.P.- At Welldex, we understand that the automotive industry presents unique logistical challenges, given its complexity and the high demand for precision and speed at each stage of the supply chain. By having a comprehensive and flexible offering, we are able to build logistical solutions that cover all the needs of the sector, making it easier for our clients in the automotive industry to have a robust and effective supply chain regardless of their geographic location.

 AR.- How do you manage the supply chain between your operations in Mexico and Spain, and what strategies do you use to mitigate risks in each region?

 R.P.- Supply chain management between our operations in Mexico and Spain is based on the design of a transportation scheme that has alternatives for making decisions, such as the End to End process, including the financial part of the purchase of inventory, inventory management, we have various suppliers or transportation routes to reduce the effects of possible interruptions, we work with multiple logistics operators on various routes, which gives us flexibility in the face of possible contingencies, such as strikes, road closures or changes in customs regulations.

 AR.- What are Welldex's proposals to contribute to achieving more robust supply chains and avoid situations such as those caused in recent times (pandemic, logistical tensions for geopolitical reasons, semiconductor and other component crises, etc.)?

 R.P.- We understand that building more robust and resilient supply chains is essential to face the global challenges that have affected companies in recent years, such as the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, the semiconductor and other critical component crisis. Faced with these risks, one of the key strategies we have adopted to strengthen our operations and mitigate these impacts is nearshoring.

Our strategy includes a preventive approach, in which we constantly monitor potential risks and develop contingency plans for different scenarios. In addition, we work closely with our partners and customers to create a flexible infrastructure that allows us to quickly adapt to changes in demand or supply disruptions. The digitalization of our services also plays an important role, as it allows visibility and real-time response capacity to any incident. Finally, we promote greater supplier diversification and a decentralized storage network to reduce dependence on a single source or location.

With nearshoring, bringing operations closer to key markets, such as the United States and Europe, the risks arising from geopolitical and economic factors, such as trade disputes or international logistics disruptions, are significantly reduced.

With nearshoring, bringing operations closer to key markets, such as the United States and Europe, the risks derived from geopolitical and economic factors are significantly reduced

Complete visibility of the supply chain gives us the advantage of making informed decisions quickly and efficiently, minimizing the impact of any disruption. In addition, we believe that the diversification of suppliers and logistics routes are a key factor in reducing dependence on a single source or market.

 AR.- Since Welldex operates in multiple regions with very diverse markets and regulations, how do you adapt your business model and logistics services to the specific needs of each local market, particularly in Europe, and how do you manage the complexity of these adaptations?

 R.P.- Welldex's ability to adapt its business model and logistics services to the local needs of each European client lies in its operational flexibility, knowledge of the regulations and particularities of each region, the use of software and close work with local partners. This allows us to effectively manage the complexity of operating in markets with very diverse realities, while continuing to offer customized logistics solutions that meet the local requirements and expectations of our clients.

Each market has its own demands and particularities in terms of supply chain management. At Welldex, we do not offer standardized solutions, but rather we customize our logistics services to fit the needs of each client in each region. In Europe, this translates into solutions specific to each sector and local market, adapting our offer to key industries such as the automotive industry.

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Interview published in AutoRevista