MONTERREY, N.L. — Enrique Berner, founder and lifetime chairman of Bricos, has been honored with the prestigious Industry Person of the Year award at Expo Manufactura 2025. This recognition highlights industry leaders who have significantly contributed to the growth and transformation of the manufacturing sector through innovation, ethical leadership, and business excellence.
For nearly five decades, Enrique Berner has been at the forefront of the electrical distribution industry in Mexico, shaping not only his company’s success but also fostering the development of the sector at a national level. His journey began with an innate curiosity and a strong aptitude for mathematics, leading him to pursue a career in engineering. After gaining experience in administrative roles within the industry, he took over a small family business in 1977. In less than a year, he transformed it from a traditional hardware store into a specialized electrical materials distributor, laying the foundation for what would become Bricos.
From the very beginning, Enrique prioritized long-term relationships over short-term gains, establishing a corporate culture rooted in trust, integrity, and mutual benefit for clients and suppliers alike. This approach not only secured the company’s steady growth but also positioned Bricos as a case study in ethical and sustainable leadership within Mexico’s business community.
Innovation, Growth, and Human Development at the Core of Bricos
Bricos’ success has been marked by its fearless approach to change, consistently betting on new technologies, brands, and, most importantly, human development—both within the company and in its relationships with customers and suppliers. This philosophy has been a key factor in the company’s expansion, which now employs over 400 people and serves as one of the top electrical distributors in Mexico.
One of Enrique’s pivotal decisions was rebranding the company to expand its product portfolio, a bold move that proved to be a strategic milestone. Additionally, his willingness to introduce new brands to the Mexican market led to the successful adoption of Weidmuller and Panduit, among others.
However, for Enrique, success isn’t just about financial performance—it’s about people. He has championed the professional growth of his employees, offering scholarships and training programs to help them advance in their careers, even at the risk of them finding opportunities elsewhere. His philosophy is clear: “It’s better to develop talent and face the challenge of retaining it than to operate with an underqualified workforce.”
His commitment to talent development extends to fostering communication skills through programs like Toastmasters, empowering employees from all levels to enhance their public speaking and leadership abilities.
A Visionary Leader Committed to Technological Advancement and Ethics
Enrique has always believed that technology should serve people, not replace them. Under his leadership, Bricos has embraced digital transformation while maintaining a firm belief in the value of personal relationships in business. This human-centered approach has strengthened Bricos’ reputation for exceptional customer service and long-term partnerships.
Quality and efficiency have also been central to Bricos’ evolution. The company was one of the first in its sector to achieve ISO 9001 certification, reinforcing its dedication to continuous improvement. This commitment to excellence has been further solidified by the involvement of Berner’s sons, who have helped drive the company’s professionalization and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Today, Bricos is recognized as a socially responsible company, implementing business practices that benefit not only its employees but also the broader community.
Beyond his impact on Bricos, Enrique has contributed to the advancement of the entire electrical distribution sector. In 2014, he was one of the founding members of Affiliated Distributors México, a platform that brings together more than 40 distributors and numerous manufacturers to exchange best practices and strengthen the industry as a whole.
A Lasting Legacy
One of the greatest challenges for any family business is succession planning, and Enrique has tackled this with foresight and structure. By integrating his sons into leadership roles and establishing a professional Board of Directors, he has ensured Bricos’ long-term sustainability as a family-owned yet professionally managed company.
The Industry Person of the Year award, granted by Expo Manufactura 2025 after a thorough evaluation by its advisory board, recognizes Enrique’s lifelong contributions to the sector. His leadership, built on ethics, innovation, and a commitment to collective growth, has left an indelible mark on the industry.
“Receiving this recognition is an honor, but true success comes from creating opportunities for others. I am deeply grateful to my team, our customers, and our suppliers for being part of this journey of innovation and shared growth,” said Enrique Berner during the award ceremony.
With nearly five decades of leadership, Enrique Berner’s legacy extends beyond business achievements—he has transformed challenges into opportunities, strengthened the industry, and set a new standard for ethical leadership in Mexico’s manufacturing sector.
For more information about Bricos and its impact on the industry, visit www.bricos.com.