Gerresheimer Seeks Indirect Suppliers

With the firm goal of reducing international freight costs and becoming more efficient in sourcing inputs, Gerresheimer is developing local suppliers.
"Having a national supplier versus an international one benefits us with response times: We don't have to wait as long to obtain the material we need. In other words, the response time becomes very efficient, and therefore, so does our production," said Rogelio Gaytán, Gerresheimer's buyer.

Currently, it is estimated that 60% of the company's inputs are foreign, while 40% are national. "We want to increase the national percentage, but quality issues and matching in Mexico have complicated significantly increasing that percentage," said the procurement expert.

Today, the company is seeking local suppliers for packaging, preventive and corrective maintenance services, and more.

Supplier Selection

For Gerresheimer, it is crucial to have business partners that offer excellent quality, timely delivery, and competitive prices.

"The quality certificates vary depending on the input or service offered by the supplier. If we talk about a direct supplier, we do require ISO 9001:2015 or certified standards," Gaytán explained.

It is also very important for the company that suppliers are formally established, offer up to 60 days of credit, and have a revolving line for direct and constant purchasing.

Additionally, the company also requires innovative suppliers who continually develop new and higher quality products. "Innovation is an important point, but so is no corruption. We evaluate that aspect thoroughly," he said.

Glass Specialists

Gerresheimer is a company focused on the manufacture of glass containers for the pharmaceutical industry. Among the various products they produce are syringes, cartridges, and more. In Mexico, the company has a plant located in the Benito Juárez Industrial Park in Querétaro.