At Mindtech, we have had the pleasure of chatting with Rebeca Babarro, Marketing Director of MRF – Mecanizados Rodríguez Fernández SL, a company based in Ourense that started its activity in 1966. With more than 50 years of experience, they have evolved from steel machining to become a benchmark for comprehensive solutions in the metal sector, covering processes such as cutting, stamping, welding, polishing and the internal development of tooling and dies.
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They specialise in the design, development and manufacture of stainless steel components, mainly fasteners, hinges and other elements for industrial car bodies. In turn, their technical and production capabilities extend to various sectors that require a collaborative approach to product co-development.
They work closely with customers in industries such as defence, food industry machinery and power generators, among others, offering customised solutions that meet their specific needs and guarantee the highest standards of quality and performance. With more than 70% of its turnover coming from exports to more than 40 countries, it is a strategic partner in the main international markets.
Why did you decide to go for Mindtech in its fourth edition in 2025?
Our participation in previous editions of Mindtech has been key to generate success stories in different sectors. For MRF, the fair is a strategic meeting point with customers, partners and suppliers, where we strengthen relationships and explore new business opportunities.
Our proactive approach drives us to keep innovating and adapting to new market challenges. Mindtech 2025 will therefore once again be the ideal platform to demonstrate how our customised solutions and technical capabilities bring added value to the companies represented at the event.
Rebeca Babarro, MRF Marketing Director
What is the added value for your company to participate in this fair?
Mindtech has the unique advantage of combining the industrial with the technological, and with innovation always at the heart of MRF, this fusion makes it an ideal platform for us. Moreover, with the growing presence of companies from the Iberian hub, Mindtech becomes the perfect space to explore synergies, generate new strategic collaborations and bring the versatility and potential of our products to industries beyond the car body.
What will you present at Mindtech 2025?
At Mindtech 2025, we will present developments beyond specific products, but rather improvements associated with our capabilities and services, reflecting our continuous evolution and increasing customer focus. We specialise in delivering steel solutions, from design to fabrication, with a holistic approach that distinguishes us from specialists dedicated to a single industrial process or engineering offices that lack a direct connection to factory processes. So what’s new for us? We have strengthened our technical office with new additions and have incorporated machinery and technology to our factory, improvements that allow us to strengthen our services and further optimise our processes, guaranteeing more effective and personalised solutions.
What do you think is the differential value of the metallurgical industry and its associated technologies in the Iberian Pole in particular?
The Iberian Pole has established itself as an international commercial hub, making it a strategic environment for the metal industry. This context of globalisation offers unique opportunities, such as the formation of strategic alliances, the adoption of technological innovations and the possibility of internationalising products in foreign markets. In addition, collaboration between companies in the Pole fosters a dynamic ecosystem, where we can explore synergies and adaptations that benefit the sectors represented in Mindtech. This not only increases competitiveness, but also allows us companies to discover and exploit solutions that we may not have been aware of, thus expanding our potential in the global market.
What challenges do you see facing the industry today?
There are several complex challenges, including the need for digitalisation to optimise processes and improve competitiveness, as well as pressure to implement more sustainable practices and reduce carbon footprint. In addition, a shortage of skilled talent sometimes hinders the ability to innovate and grow, while changes in market demand require adaptability and agility. Disruption in supply chains has underlined the importance of diversifying suppliers and strengthening production resilience, highlighting the value of having suppliers close to home. And of course, increasing competition from international markets is requiring companies to be ever more innovative and efficient in order to stand out. Facing these challenges is fundamental to advance and ensure the growth of the metal industry.
What is needed to meet these challenges and maintain the industry’s competitiveness?
These issues are at the heart of our strategic plan, enabling us to meet today’s challenges and ensure our competitiveness in a globalised environment. For MRF, meeting the challenges and maintaining competitiveness involves:
- Continuous innovation: we invest every year in R&D to develop advanced solutions and improve processes.
- Training: we offer training plans to train our staff in the latest technologies and trends in the sector.
- Collaboration: we seek to share resources and knowledge by establishing partnerships with companies, universities and research centres.
- Flexibility: we are adopting increasingly agile organisational structures in order to adapt quickly to changes in the market and to meet the different needs of our customers.
- Sustainability: we implement sustainable practices that improve efficiency and reduce costs in the long term.
- Active listening: we maintain open communication with customers to understand their needs and expectations.
Come and visit them at stand F21!