Fabián Solís of Asinmet: "The industry can transform people's lives."

The Expo and the Mendoza Industrial 2025 Sustainable Production Forum was a space that, among other things, served to commemorate the Day of the Industry , which was held on September 2nd. The Metallurgical Industrialists Association ( Asinmet ) was one of the organizing chambers of the event, and in this context, Fabián Solís spoke with Los Andes . At the end of three days of panels, debates, business roundtables, and a major metalworking expo with the presence of the province's leading companies, Solís emphasized that growth must come together.

The latest national sector report prepared by the Association of Metallurgical Industrialists of the Argentine Republic (Adimra) showed that metallurgical activity registered a year-over-year increase of 1.8% in July and an increase of 0.3% compared to June. It should be noted that so far this year it has grown 2.9%, but by July 2024 it had fallen by 11.7%. Thus, according to Adimra, production is showing signs of stagnation and is stagnating at very low levels.

Thus, the metalworking industry, a core industry that cuts across all industries, is down 15% from its all-time highs, with installed capacity utilization below historical levels, hovering around 45%. This means that more than five existing machines are idle. In Mendoza , on the other hand, the metalworking industry fell 4% in July, a situation that is worrying the entire sector.

_What role does industry play in Mendoza's development today, and how was this reflected at the Expo Forum?

Throughout this event, we have showcased data on the key role that industry has played in the growth of Mendoza's economy. In this context, the first thing we celebrate is the resilience and capacity of our industry , as it has the power not only to transform raw materials into value but also to transform lives through the creation of quality jobs. The Expo Forum is a clear example of the synergy and teamwork we have been building in Mendoza . We understand that growth is a collective effort, and we are all on this path: industry , agriculture, commerce, services, the financial system, and, of course, academia and the government.

_ How does this collaboration with academia translate into practice?

This support from the scientific sector is essential, as they are the ones who provide the knowledge and innovation that propel us toward the future. We cannot move forward alone, and that is why this collaboration allows us to develop projects that strengthen the productive matrix . The innovation and knowledge generated in universities are the basis for our industry to evolve and remain competitive in a globalized market. For example, the Expometalmecánica, which we organize every two years, will be a platform to showcase technological advances, many of which arise from this synergy.

At Asinmet, we also have the Cuyo Metallurgical Technology Center and two training facilities. One in the south of the province—the Carlos Tassaroli Training Center—and the other at our headquarters in Acceso Este, aiming to strengthen the skills of our workers. In addition, our Association has signed collaboration agreements with the universities of Cuyo, Technological University, and Mendoza University, as well as with the municipalities of Guaymallén and Godoy Cruz to enhance this training. I believe these are initiatives that empower and build a more productive future for people, businesses, and the community at large.

_This forum has also emphasized public-private partnerships and the role of the State as a facilitator. What could strengthen this collaboration, and what challenges remain?

We firmly believe that the search for investors and new business opportunities requires genuine state policies that transcend partisan differences. We need a long-term vision that provides legal certainty and stability to attract long-term capital. On the other hand, we face challenges such as the enormous tax burden and high financial costs, as it is important for a tax system to boost the productive sector and not the other way around. It is also vital that infrastructure is up to par, as it is a strategic investment that makes us more competitive and attractive to investors.

Soledad Gonzalez, Rodolfo Vargas Arizu, Fabian Solis, Matias Diaz Telli, Nicolas Vicchi

Both Asinmet and the other business chambers participating in the Industrial Forum have been working with the Ministry of Production, municipalities, and other government departments because they understand the importance of our sector. Now, we face the dual challenge of deepening this relationship and, at the same time, generating proposals to strengthen production policies and ensure that the industrial sector is a priority on Mendoza 's agenda.

_What does “sustainable production” entail?

Sustainable production is not an option; it's a necessity, a central pillar of our vision that involves not only being efficient and profitable but also being responsible for the environment and society. The metalworking sector plays a crucial role in this process, so we must be leaders in the application of clean technologies, resource optimization, and the creation of a safe and equitable work environment. This also entails leaving behind old contradictions that have only impoverished us and reinforcing the idea that the productive sector is an active part of the solution.

In the medium and long term, we hope that these initiatives, along with the collaboration of all stakeholders in the ecosystem, will allow us to build a larger productive matrix with quality jobs. Sustainability lies in understanding that collaboration is the key to sustainable growth. In Mendoza , we have very diverse productive sectors such as agriculture, commerce, construction, winemaking, mining, and tourism. These activities are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary, so true strength lies in understanding and empowering each other. The Expo Forum is proof that this union is possible and necessary.

_What are the expectations and how do you see the future of the local industry?

_ We are convinced that industry is the driving force behind this development, and we will work tirelessly to achieve it, even though the current situation appears complicated. In Mendoza, mining can be a new area for overall growth, and it is important to continue working together to improve what is lacking and enhance what is already in place, which is significant. It is important to keep in mind that the metalworking and industrial sectors in Mendoza have a high level of development and training, which opens the door to complex projects in different parts of the country.