QUERETARO, Mexico—The Zimmer Group recently opened a branch office here that will primarily offer sales, consulting and after-sales support of its automation technology and components. A key part of the company's global expansion strategy, the Mexico branch is one of 13 locations Zimmer operates worldwide besides its Rheinau, Germany, headquarters.

The Zimmer Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of automation, machine and furniture damping components and process engineering, with more than 1,200 employees. It is also an important and valued partner for numerous well-known national and international companies in mechanical and plant engineering, as well as the aviation, automotive and furniture industries.

"In the past, the Mexican market was successfully developed by a local dealer. A few years ago, strong demand and the wishes of our customers prompted us to set up our first own sales team through our then US subsidiary," explains Vincent Zimmer, the new managing director of the Mexican branch. "Mexico is one of our key markets, and in order to further strengthen our local market presence, we have established Zimmer Automation S. de R.L. de C.V. in Querétaro."

Zimmer Group customers will continue to be supplied directly from Germany, with the Mexico headquarters focusing primarily on sales, consulting and after-sales. "Only locally we can care for the customers in a market as important for us as Mexico, as intensively as they are used to from the Know-How Factory," notes Zimmer.

The Zimmer Group was founded by brothers Günther and Martin Zimmer more than 40 years ago in a converted cowshed in Rheinau. It is an owner-managed family company that places great value on family succession.  Seven of the 10 children of the two partners are already working in the Zimmer Group in very different areas.

Vincent is the son of Günther and was an economist before being appointed managing director for Mexico. He has since gained experience in international sales and marketing as an assistant to the Zimmer Group management, and as a business development manager in the USA. Zimmer will continue to work in that role to develop and support selective key account customers.