March 26, 2012 Rave Runways

Volume 15 | Issue 1

Since 1965, Constructora VISE, a construction company based in León, Mexico, has completed significant infrastructure projects – garnering a

In recent years, numerous airports in Mexico experienced strong growth and development. Subsequent increase in traffic and travel requires that they keep every operational element in top condition, especially runways.

However, landing strip pavement maintenance involves meeting an extensive set of specific requirements and high-level quality standards. Seeking appropriate solutions, airports turn to Constructora VISE, a construction company that focuses on infrastructure projects and specializes in pavement services to repair and rebuild landing areas.

“We’re one of few national companies that paves landing strips for airplanes,” notes Sales Manager Mauricio Arteaga. The work is as delicate as specialized. “There are times when we have to work at night and leave everything perfect for the next day, when the airplane lands on work we just completed.”

To carry out air runway projects, VISE focuses on thorough planning, strict controls and a fast response. “Unforeseen incidents always come up in this type of project,” notes Arteaga. “But we offer rapid response. Any inconvenience is immediately resolved.”

The strategy has paid off: Within the company’s vast portfolio, you’ll find a number of airport projects, as well as other infrastructure projects such as roadways, bridges, water distribution channels, dams, dirt roads, platforms, and street paving. Operations currently focus on Mexico’s central region.

DECADES OF GROWTH
VISE began operations in 1965 in León, Mexico, in response to the region’s growing infrastructure needs. Today, more than 1000 workers oversee daily business.

VISE currently carries out infrastructure projects in three sectors: roads, hydraulics, and industrial and commercial urbanization. In its road division, the company has rebuilt landing strips at airports in Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Mazatlán, Aguascalientes, Bajío, Guadalajara, Celaya, and Puerto Vallarta. In the hydraulics segment, it has taken control of projects such as a mud retention dam for PEMEX, Mexico’s state-owned petroleum company, and in Tabasco and Veracruz; the aqueduct León-La Muralla, which has the capacity to move 1,200 liters per second; and a water treatment plant in Irapuato. In its urbanization division, VISE has carried to completion projects including rough dirt track and pavement for large stores such as Soriana, Ley, Chedraui, Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, and Costco in the Bajío region.

The company serves both public and private sectors. In the first, the client list includes the Public Works Secretary of the state of Guanajuato, toll highways and toll bridges in the state of Guanajuato, among others. The second includes General Motors de Mexico, Mazda, Haskell, OMA, GAP, Procter & Gamble, and Kasai Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., among others.

VISE is part of GRUPO VISE, a Mexican business group founded in 1965 in Guanajuato. Through its current divisions, GRUPO VISE established presence in a number of industries, including chemicals, information media, property development, construction, commerce and food. Due to its participation in both economic and social sectors, GRUPO VISE has played a significant and ongoing role in community development.

MOVE TO CONCESSIONS
During its first decades in business, VISE became actively involved in infrastructure construction projects in Mexico. Five years ago, however, the company took on a different strategy, with the goal of diversifying its participation in the public-private partnership sector, known in Mexico as concessions. This new approach resulted in a significant shift: The company role is no longer that of a sole constructor; it’s now a long-term investor in the projects it undertakes.

In 2010, the state government of Guanajuato awarded the concession of the Libramiento de Celaya toll road to a consortium consisting of VISE and Rubau, a Spanish company. The 30-year concession contract, representing one of Guanajuato’s largest infrastructure projects, covers construction, operation and maintenance of two highway sections. The project involved building 12.9 kilometers of Celaya’s Libramiento Nororiente, stretching just north of the country’s central city of Celaya. Further, it consisted of rebuilding 16.45 kilometers along the Libramiento Sur stretch – total investment: $127 million USD. The Libramiento Sur project was completed and VISE, for a year and a half, has overseen its operation and maintenance. Through its work on the project, the company has increased the quality of service offered to users on the road. Continued project participation should expand Celaya’s Libramiento Nororiente.

“This concession has marked an important change within the company and its infrastructure,” notes Arteaga. “The government is investing quite a bit in this type of contract, and currently in El Bajío, we’re the only ones in our sector to have a concession.”

PERSONNEL ADVANTAGE
To stay ahead of the competition, VISE retains a highly qualified staff that quickly responds to client needs. Arteaga explains: “We have a continuous training program for all workers. When someone is hired, they automatically enter into this ongoing program.”

Indeed, the company is well aware of the courses someone needs to take to keep step with business development, and this keen perception fosters an individual’s growth within the organization. Last year, the company received an award from Mexico’s Chamber of Construction for offering its workers the mostcomplete training program within its industry.

Training is passed on, which is but only one reason why VISE can provide customers with immediate solutions.

THE ROAD AHEAD
In the Bajío region, VISE currently leads the industry in its road pavement division. With that top position comes responsibility, as well as an enlarging focus: The company has set sights on the national scene, and it appears to be accomplishing this vision. In 2011, after being awarded the Libramiento de Celaya project, VISE was ranked as 10th in its industry within the entire country of Mexico.

Looking forward, VISE plans to continue moving up the ladder and increasing its overall footprint. “Through concessions, we will expand the company into other parts of Mexico,” says Arteaga.

That gets back to pavement services for airports – a major area of opportunity and expansion. It is currently working on air strips at the airport in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city.

With its attention to clients, and the empowerment of its workforce, and its noted ability to spot trends – as well as the internal fortitude to make the most of these attributes – VISE meets the needs of both the private and public sectors.

It all began on a local level; now, the company demonstrates powerful possibilities to increase national presence. Expect this company to be a high-flying, driven force in years to come.

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