In an exclusive interview with Defence Blog, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Epel company – Dora Gritzewsky spoke about the company’s prospects in the next few years.

As providing armored car services, Epel specialises in the production of new armored vehicles for military and police. The company shows phenomenal success in last 5 years in Mexico and we would like to know the secret of your company success?

The defence industry in Mexico has had huge surge over the last couple of years due mainly to the changing needs of police and military forces in the war against drugs. This changing climate has forced Epel to adapt and innovate in the market, and as such expand its relationships oversees. Epel, being the largest military contractor in Mexico with the largest growing presence in Latin America, has enjoyed this growth mainly due to the highest quality production standards and its constantly expansive workforce.

What is the current situation at Epel? Could you, please, speak a bit more about the production of the Sandcat utility vehicles?

Epel, being the lead innovator in tactical vehicles in Mexico and Latam, is currently developing its own line of Sandcat vehicles. These are designed, produced and sold in Mexico for the first time in history, and come in different variations. Basically Epel designs vehicles to the needs of the customers, a “tailored suit” if you will. The Sandcat has been developed in 3 different versions so far, short and long, both versions designed as combat vehicles, and a prisoner transport vehicle for the military and police forces. The market has responded so well to these vehicles that production has been ramped to max capacity.

Have there been any negotiations with potential foreign customers?

Price, quality, service, design amongst other characteristics, has made Epel the leader in sales which has attracted foreign governments. Plans are in the making to begin the exportation of these vehicles under a different name to Central and South American armed forces, for confidentiality reasons I cannot disclose where, but they are the largest growing markets in Latin America. In regards to private armored cars, Epel’s standards have attracted the attention of European and American car makers to become their “factory armory” for all their vehicles produced in Mexico. Epel is looking to start exporting vehicles given the dominance it has excelled in the Mexican Market.

How do you see the company evolving in the next 10 years?

Epel is always evolving and innovating, the current market scenario seems to point to greater expansion in the field of armored tactical vehicles and other defense services. Epel is not only involved in land vehicles but we are expanding into air as well. Given our propensity to produce the best-in-class product, Epel will become the largest exporter of tactical vehicles to the Latin American markets in the following years with the Mexican Produced Sandcat leading the way.

What was the most difficult moment in your career and what kind of difficulties you faced?

18 years ago he clients were afraid to give their personal data. Now there is more openness and customers are already confident that they must have an armored vehicle for their own benefit and they now that Epel handles everything with a high degree of confidentiality.

What could you advise your colleagues and partners, including us, in order to get better in our work?

Epel must be a reliable company, using certified materials of the highest technology. Above all, it must be an honest company, which is committed to ensuring the safety of its customers. That has been the success of our company, and the Mexican Government relies fully on us, because our products are known for its high quality and an excellent after-sales service, 24 hours any day of the year.