“We will do whatever is necessary to provide the best service possible.”
doing business here – the labor force and the technical ability of
the people is easily comparable to companies in the U.S. We can
be competitive.”
NATDA: Are you shipping to all of North America or are you
looking at places closer to Mexico?
RAMIREZ: We will be looking for dealers willing to stock our
products. We are thinking of placing a warehouse in Texas, but
that is still in the planning process. So, we are looking for dealers
who can handle certain volumes. Volumes are not that high. A
truckload can handle 8-15, depending on the type of trailer. The
cost of the freight is not that high from Guadalajara.
NATDA: What kinds of trailer models can dealers expect?
RAMIREZ: At this moment, we have designed and manufactured
six different prototypes: goosenecks, both hydraulic and manual
dumps, tilts, equipment, car haulers and utilities, which have
been reviewed under the Compliance Verification Program
by the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers (NATM).
These categories typically have a lot more sales and are more
commercial. The utilities are highly demanded however we have
the capability to manufacture more heavy-duty trailers which
are also demanded in the market. For example, rental company
contractors in the U.S. are requesting galvanized trailers because
of the low maintenance.
NATDA: You have a lot of trailers in the pipeline. Are we
looking at 2019 release dates? And, how are you approaching
expansion and what do you expect going forward?
RAMIREZ: We know we must invest. We see the potential is
there. Statistically, probably 40% of trailers imported to the U.S.
are from Mexico. That is why we are investing in an appealing
brand. The designs are engineer-tested, but we are giving them
our own touch. We also understand some dealers will request
stock immediately. Once we have NATM’s accreditation, we will
produce enough stock available. It is a risk, but we need to take
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it because the models are no different to what you will see in the
U.S. From conversations with dealers and people in the industry,
we are heading in the right direction. We want to do this right and
comply with all safety standards. We want to provide meaningful
service, both in terms of stock and ability.
NATDA: You mentioned a location in Texas. What does Texas
represent for your relationship with dealers?
RAMIREZ: We are a family-owned business, but we have “arms.”
They are different businesses. The company has experience in
helping U.S. companies produce in Mexico. One of our sister
companies is in Texas, so we felt Texas was an easy place to go.
That does not mean we will not think about somewhere in the
Midwest depending on where demand is located. The dealers will
guide us and let us know what route to go.
NATDA: What kind of relationship do you expect to have with
dealers? How easy will it be to get a hold of you or reach out for
questions?
RAMIREZ: It is going to be super close. We have fully bi-
lingual staff in the technical and sales departments. The time zone
between the U.S. and Mexico is no more than two hours, so it
is very easy to communicate by email or phone. We are very
responsive. We are also new and eager to do business. We will do
whatever is necessary to provide the best service possible. That
is why we are looking for a specific type of dealer that is ordering
volume or interested in truckloads.
Guadalajara is also very connected to the U.S. in terms of flights.
A flight from California or Houston is about 2.5 hours. So, it is
easy to connect Guadalajara to certain hubs in the U.S. It is easy
to reach.
NATDA: When everything is said and done, where do you see
Silver Mountain Trailers in the next couple years?
CARMONA: Hopefully, on the highways with some big loads.
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