International business case: management change under pressure – Plant Manager for plant in Mexico
A leading international company in the construction supply industry faced a particular challenge at the beginning of 2025: the production site in the center of Mexico – with around 250 employees – had continued to develop dynamically in recent years and was experiencing strong growth. However, increasing demand, technological expansions and strategic changes led to structural and operational tensions that the company had to address decisively.
The situation came to a head when the previous Plant Manager left the company at short notice – in the middle of the ongoing change process. Only two weeks remained to organize an orderly handover. The plant, which specializes in the highly complex, automated production of metallic and electrotechnical components for the construction industry, was in danger of being thrown off balance. Key positions such as the Head of Production and the Head of Quality were not filled and were supported on an interim basis from within the Group. At the same time, an internal quality problem was shaking confidence in the processes – a clear consequence of inadequately defined processes.
The management quickly decided on an interim solution with a clear mandate for GOiNTERIM as a partner: stabilize, analyse processes, restructure the organization. Thanks to our international orientation, we were able to introduce an experienced interim manager within a few days and start the project after intensive interviews. The GOiNTERIM manager took over overall responsibility for the site in Mexico at short notice – in a new structure that combined technical and commercial management in one position. This closed the management vacuum and allowed the upcoming change process to continue.
The mandate was clearly defined, but its implementation was highly complex:
- Full site responsibility: production, R&D, quality, logistics, finance, HR and sales were now in one hand – a constellation that required the highest quality of leadership and broad management experience.
- Operational management in depth: Production was highly automated, with high cycle rates – a smooth process was only possible with a deep technical understanding and proximity to the store floor.
- Organizational restructuring: The existing structure was no longer able to cope with the growth. Employees were often deployed incorrectly and responsibilities were blurred. The interim manager began with a systematic analysis of the organizational structure and implemented targeted personnel measures – with the aim of putting the right people in the right roles.
- Change under tension: The plant was undergoing an ongoing change process. Parallel to day-to-day operations, new management principles had to be established, processes documented and standardized and cultural hurdles overcome.
A key success factor was the manager’s intercultural competence: the workforce in Mexico expected clear but respectful leadership. The combination of clear communication, technical authority and an empathetic management style was decisive for the acceptance of the interim manager – both on the store floor and in the management team. A long-term collaboration and transfer to a permanent position are planned.
The project is exemplary of the challenges faced by fast-growing industrial companies: Scaling not only brings new opportunities, but also the need to radically develop structures, processes and management systems. In this case, it was the right decision to rely on external expertise in a critical phase – with focus, independence and the necessary implementation strength. And it also demonstrates GOiNTERIM’s international expertise. Particularly in projects like this, it is not only the contact with international managers that is important, but also the knowledge and experience at international level, the special features of other cultures and the ability to react quickly and respond to specific needs.
Would you like more information or do you have similar challenges? Talk to us, we will be happy to help you!
Dr. Martin Ludwig Mayr, Managing Director
martin.mayr@gointerim.com
+49 89 20 500 8695
Feel free to share this post with your network as well.