Project description

Title: Development of an Environmental and Metrological Competence Centre for the Processing Industry in Mexico
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Mexico
Partner: Kalibrix GmbH
Overall term: 2007 to 2010

Context

In recent years, as a result of the global competition between different locations, the products manufactured by the subsidiaries of foreign companies as well as Mexican small and medium-sized firms have become much more complex. Related to this, there is a growing demand for qualified experts in the fields of metrology, quality assurance and environmental management, which, because of the inadequate level of training in Mexico, cannot be satisfied. For instance, the country has no formal or structured training programmes for metrology. Most metrology technicians have undergone further education in the form of manufacturer training and/or self-education after completing tool making or similar courses. Through a development partnership with Kalibrix GmbH, a competence centre for environmental technology and metrology for the processing industries is to be created in the state of Querétaro. The demand for qualified experts in this field is particularly high in this region. This form of knowledge and technology transfer is very important for Mexico's economic development.

Objective

Trainees and workers in Querétaro's processing industry receive practice-oriented and sector-specific training in metrology and corporate environmental management.

Approach

A competence centre for metrology and environmental management, which includes a laboratory, is being built on the campus of the Technological University of Querétaro. The equipment and the laboratory infrastructure are being sourced in close cooperation between Kalibrix and the University. The course contents are being developed with an eye to the needs of small and medium-sized companies. Both the University and Kalibrix are providing lecturers. The courses will be conducted in the laboratories of the competence centre as well as those at the University and Kalibrix. To secure the future existence of the competence centre, a training concept known as "Measure & More" will be offered to companies, which will finance itself as paid services.

Results achieved so far

Mexico's training environment is being enriched and the level of expertise among trainees and experts in the field of metrology and environmental management is improving. The transfer of knowledge and technology is being fostered.