Alejandro Saldaña Mexico: precision, people and productivity in industrial metalworking production – Episode 40 – Keru Podcast
Alejandro Saldaña, Grupo ABX México: a plant vision from Coahuila
In this episode of Keru Podcast we talk with Alejandro Saldaña of Mexico, Production Director at Grupo ABX México, where he leads industrial operations from the state of Coahuila. With more than two decades in manufacturing, Alejandro shares how he combines operational efficiency with building resilient teams in an increasingly demanding environment.
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From his experience at companies such as Nova Steel to his current role at Grupo ABX México, the approach of Alejandro Saldaña of Grupo ABX has always been clear: standardize processes without losing technical flexibility, and build leadership from the plant floor, not from the office.
Industrial metalworking production: between urgency and structure
One of the main topics covered is how to sustain industrial metalworking production under constant pressure. Alejandro details how to structure shifts, prioritize maintenance and design operational indicators in environments where changes in orders, volume or customers are constant.
The challenge, according to him, is not only in manufacturing well, but in sustaining that standard every day. Productivity is not an isolated action, but a culture built step by step.
Alejandro Saldaña, Coahuila: technical leadership with operational closeness
Alejandro shares how his background in Coahuila, a key region in Mexican industry, shaped him from the start. For him, technical leadership is only effective when there is a direct connection with people. This means being present, listening, developing middle leaders and accepting that learning is continuous.
In the episode, he recounts how he turned mistakes into systems, and how staff turnover is not fought with punishment, but with structure, recognition and clearly defined roles. This is how he has managed to stabilize teams in contexts where others see only turnover and crisis.
Grupo ABX México: efficiency with a human foundation
In his current role at Grupo ABX México, Alejandro has implemented cross-training programs, digitalization of production reports and internal audits focused not only on control, but on continuous improvement. The goal is not only to deliver on time, but to build a plant that can withstand market ups and downs.
He also emphasizes the value of operational communication: using whiteboards, dashboards and daily coordination spaces where each work cell knows its role and how it impacts the overall result.
Alejandro Saldaña · Mexico
Alejandro Saldaña of Mexico was Production Director at Grupo ABX in Mexico, leading operational improvement, plant transformation and industrial planning processes in the metallurgical industry. With more than 14 years as Plant Manager at Nova Steel, Alejandro built a technical career centered on efficiency, safety and continuous improvement in highly demanding industrial environments.
Operational transformation doesn't start with machines, but with culture.
A good industrial leader has to be present on the floor, visible, approachable, solving problems alongside the team.
An engineer by training, he specialized in technical leadership, lean manufacturing methodologies and the development of operational talent. At Grupo ABX he implemented line reconfiguration projects, improvements to key KPIs and the consolidation of a culture of measurable results. His initiatives had a direct impact on reducing scrap, increasing yield and cutting downtime.
If there is no clear purpose, the team loses its way even with good indicators.
During his tenure at Nova Steel, Alejandro led structural transformations in the plant, optimized the supply chain and coordinated quality audits with international customers. His experience includes integrating continuous improvement systems, developing productivity indicators and training teams in advanced manufacturing methods.
Autonomous maintenance changed our plant: the operators began to take ownership of the process.
Measuring is easy. Understanding variability and acting on it is the hard part.
His pragmatic, results-oriented approach centered on operational excellence makes him a benchmark in the professionalization of industrial plants in Mexico. Alejandro combines experience, discipline and technical leadership to drive sustainable and scalable improvements in complex manufacturing environments.
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Episode 40 · Keru Podcast
Articles by Alejandro Saldaña
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