Javier Lostao

GENERAL MANAGER, 3M ECUADOR

What does Ecuador mean for 3M?

3M has been in Ecuador for more than 40 years providing inputs for industrial processes. We try to have a commercial team in every country to be with customers, generate a level of education about our products, and achieve productivity. In Ecuador, our first business group focuses on B2B, which involves all 3M products focused on industry. The second group is the healthcare sector, which is growing aggressively worldwide, and the third group is mass consumption. The last group is transportation and electronics, where we have hard specifications. For 3M, Ecuador is important because some businesses are best practices in the Andean region for the highest penetration compared to larger economies.

2019 marked the start of industrial mining in Ecuador. What are your business expectations in this regard?

Ecuador wants and is looking for a good standard over the different phases of a mine, from exploratory to operational phases. 3M has solutions in each of these phases, although we expect to have a greater participation in the start-up, operation, and extraction phases because we focus on productive processes and personnel training. Our expectations are extremely high. The mining area is one of the areas that we best manage globally. We have mining expertise in almost all countries such as Canada, Peru, Chile, and Colombia and have a great deal of knowledge to attract and help companies.