From local automotive component supplier to global solution provider

Located in Querétaro, central Mexico, the site has been in operation for over two decades. In September 2020, as part of Nolato’s acquisition of GW Plastics, the Querétaro site became part of the Nolato Group, marking the starting point of a profound transformation of the company. Before being part of Nolato, the Querétaro site used to have mainly automotive-focused operations and has since diversified its offering and expanded its manufacturing capabilities and technologies, unlocking new business segments and industries. Today, Nolato Querétaro is an integrated part of the Nolato Group, playing a strategic role by combining advanced manufacturing and assembly capabilities with the advantages of regional manufacturing and supply chain resilience, creating a strong base for future growth in medtech, hygiene, automotive, and food & beverage markets.  

Organizational adaptations and integration into the Nolato Group  

Becoming part of the Nolato Group involved a range of both operational and strategic changes at the Querétaro site, unfolding as a gradual organizational adaptation over the years. Among others, a key element of this transition was the shift from a more centralized American organizational structure of GW Plastics to Nolato’s more decentralized operating model, as well as moving from a private owner to a public Swedish company. This transition empowered the site to develop new in-house capabilities and expertise, and invest in new technologies, resulting in new hirings and expansion of the facility over the years, while decision-making moved closer to the operation.  

“The change of ownership represented both a big shift and a significant opportunity. Becoming part of a global organization strengthened our footprint considerably and opened up access to broader resources, while the introduction of a new strategy under Swedish management reshaped the way we operate. The strategic Central MX location strengthened Nolato’s footprint as well, which global customers found as a great alternative for making their supply more efficient by localizing some business closer to their needs,“ says Justino Barrientos, Director of Sales at Nolato Querétaro. 

Additionally, the Querétaro organization was introduced to Nolato’s customer-centric approach and way of working, including the adoption of a solution-provider mindset, rather than acting solely as a component supplier. This means local Nolato teams are empowered to address customer needs and challenges with support from the Nolato network, leveraging global resources to provide integrated solutions.  

“With the shift, our operations also moved from functional ‘shoot-and-ship’ component manufacturing to more value-added applications, including assembly, secondary operations, and box-build solutions,” adds Justino Barrientos.  

Collaboration across the global Nolato companies and teams became an integral part of the site’s operations, both in terms of technology exchanges, shared technical expertise, as well as in relation to customer projects and accounts, in which joint problem‑solving and support are provided by the global Technical Design Center (TDC) teams when needed.   

The integration into the Nolato Group also involved company cultural and organizational adjustments. The Swedish corporate culture brought with it a flatter hierarchy structure, including benefits such as reduced bureaucracy and easier access to senior management, and global collaboration and cross‑functional support across Nolato’s companies. 

“The ‘One Nolato’ approach is very tangible. There is a strong sense of community and a collaborative spirit among the Nolato employees globally. Moving to the Nolato corporate culture has been an interesting journey, and we who have worked at the Querétaro site for many years feel fortunate to be part of a large global team where cooperation is actively encouraged and facilitated by the top management,” continues Justino Barrientos. 

The growth and diversification journey of Nolato Querétaro 

Since the Querétaro site was incorporated into the Nolato Group, it has diversified its business operations and offerings. Prior to the acquisition, the business was 94% dedicated to Automotive and 6% to Medical. However, the last couple of years’ strategic investments and transformation of the site have resulted in a much more diversified business mix today, spanning automotive, medical, hygiene, and technical solutions, including EMC thermal solutions. 

In line with the diversification strategy, the Querétaro site has adopted new advanced technologies and acquired new capabilities, including liquid silicone rubber (LSR) molding – a highly specialized process that distinguishes the site from competitors – as well as the integration of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding technology. Additionally, the site has achieved a food safety compliance certification, which serves as a key differentiator by enabling the facility to serve the food and beverage industry.  

To support and accommodate the transformation, Nolato Querétaro expanded its operations by investing in, among other initiatives, two new assembly lines for hygiene, a Class 8 cleanroom for medical assembly, and the opening of a second site located two miles from the original facility. Furthermore, investments were made in automation and advanced manufacturing to support high-quality and efficient production. 

Embarking on the Nolato strategy has not only diversified the business but also delivered significant growth in recent years. Between 2022 and 2025, sales at Nolato Querétaro doubled, driven by strong development within Medical, Hygiene, and Engineered Solutions. 

“By broadening both our capabilities and customer base, we have strengthened the site’s resilience, reducing its exposure to fluctuations and volatility in the automotive industry,” explains Justino Barrientos. 

The strategic role of Nolato Querétaro 

Today, Nolato Querétaro is one of the few sites within the Nolato Group that covers solutions from both business areas:  Medical Solutions and Engineered Solutions, and EMC/Thermal Solutions from the business unit Materials. With a diversified portfolio across both technologies and industry segments, the site has built a more robust platform. In addition, it serves as a regional hub for the North American market, supporting nearshoring activities thanks to its convenient location along the so-called NAFTA Highway.  

This combination makes Nolato Querétaro a strategically important and technologically advanced site within the Nolato Group, well-positioned to support global customers through local manufacturing while remaining responsive to changing market conditions. 

“Nolato Querétaro is experiencing strong momentum. We are supporting a growing global customer base and contributing to an increasingly broad footprint within the Group. A key advantage for global customers lies in combining proximity to North America with local manufacturing capabilities and advanced technologies across multiple market segments,” Justino Barrientos concludes.  

“In an era defined by global geopolitical challenges, Nolato Querétaro moves forward with conviction, and remains firmly focused on the future – driving excellence, scaling with ambition, and partnering closely with customers to unlock the next wave of growth.” 

Justino Barrientos

Director of Sales at Nolato Querétaro