December 9, 2023, saw Rehau inaugurate Plant Celaya 3, a vast and advanced establishment, reinforcing its status in the edgeband market.
At the grand opening of Plant Celaya 3, key figures gathered, including Maria Alva Cervantes, Rehau’s longest-serving employee in Mexico; Guanajuato’s Economic Development Secretary Ramon Alfaro; Rehau Group President Dr. Veit Wagner; Guanajuato Governor Diego Sinhue; Apaseo el Grande Mayor Jose Luis Oliveros Usabiaga; Dr. Thomas Troeger, CEO of Rehau Americas; and Gaspar Sierra, the Site Director of Rehau Celaya.
In the heart of Mexico, nestled within Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, a new manufacturing facility has sprung up alongside two established plants. This latest addition, representing a substantial investment of $25 million, spans an impressive 172,000 square feet, dedicated to both production and storage. This expansion is not just about space; it’s a beacon of opportunity, expected to generate 300 jobs by 2024 when it hits peak productivity.
The plant specializes in Edgeband production, a polymer strip intricately designed to harmonize with top brands in the woodworking sector. This product’s complexity lies in its variety, encompassing a vast array of materials, sizes, colors, and finishes, resulting in over 10,000 different stock-keeping units (SKUs).
Steven John, director of the new Plant Celaya 3, emphasizes the intricacy of producing Edgeband. His journey from Canada to Mexico illustrates the global collaboration that underpins this venture. With teams from Brazil, Germany, Spain, and Canada joining forces with their Mexican counterparts, the project is a testament to international cooperation. This collaborative spirit is rooted in decades of expertise, dating back to the 1970s, now converging in Celaya.
The Rehau Group, under the leadership of Dr. Veit Wagner, is excited about the positive impact on local employment. The expansion in Mexico marks a significant milestone, positioning the country as the second largest in terms of staff within the Rehau Industries subgroup. Almost 1,000 individuals will find their professional home in Mexico, primarily on this sprawling campus.
The operational success of Plant Celaya 3 is bolstered by a well-oiled supply chain. This includes dedicated Rehau trucks making daily trips between Celaya and the new Dallas warehouse, underpinned by an integrated supply chain management team spanning the Americas.
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The grand opening last Friday was a vibrant affair, reflecting the cultural richness of the region. Gaspar Sierra, the site director for Rehau Celaya and manager of Plant Celaya 1, welcomed over 1,200 guests and employees. The event was not just a celebration of the new plant but also marked the 30th anniversary of Rehau in Mexico and Central America, as well as the 75th anniversary of Rehau’s founding by Helmut Wagner. The festivities featured traditional Mexican cuisine and folk music, encapsulating the joy and pride of this momentous occasion.
