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Welcome to the World of Multiceras
A Dynamic and Innovative Company
Multiceras S.A. de C.V. is a Mexican Corporation specializing in the design, manufacture and marketing of natural, synthetic and petroleum waxes and related products for industrial applications.
Since its beginnings in 1978, the company has worked with great flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. Having started as an exporter of Mexican beeswax and Candelilla wax, nowadays it handles a portfolio comprised of more than 60 different products, which are grouped into eight main families.
Technological development has been one of the keystones for the company's growth. Multiceras has created a solid Research and Development infrastructure and continuously trains its human capital to face ever-rising globalization challenges.
Multiceras products are marketed in more than 20 different industrial sectors, both in Mexico and abroad. The company has increased its participation in world markets, and currently obtains 40% of its income from export sales worldwide.
Serving Mexico and the World
Multiceras plant and corporate offices are located in Garcia, Nuevo Leon, 12 miles west of the city of Monterrey. The plant has a production capacity of 300 metric tons per day with modern equipment and facilities for processing high quality wax products.
Multiceras has sales offices in Monterrey and Mexico City and is currently developing a reliable distribution network throughout Mexico.
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Candelilla REAL
Beeswax
Carnauba Wax
Cartowax
Synthetic Waxes
Wax Emulsions
Microcrystalline Waxes
Paraffin Waxes
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5
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7
8
9
10
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Product Families Page
Committed to Customer Satisfaction
Experience gathered over nearly 30 years of active presence in the market enables Multiceras to position itself as a mature, dynamic and strongly committed enterprise ready to satisfy the specific wax needs of its customers. This vocation encourages us to be more efficient everyday.
Since 2000, Multiceras formalized its quality commitment, by means of the ISO 9001 certification. The rigorous application of the norm allows keeping high quality standards and continuous improvement practices, which have been reflected in better customer satisfaction results.
A World Class Company
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REATIVITY
Multiceras offers a wide range of wax formulations that we constantly develop, to meet the needs of a global industry. We provide numerous products to our customers, fulfilling their expectations, while strengthening in our people a culture of Commitment, Quality and Creativity.
We are committed to a loyal and responsible team effort in the duties we perform daily, which enables us to move from promises to action, generating tangible results.
For Multiceras, Commitment is based upon:
Honesty
Teamwork
Responsibility
Safety
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We promote the development of skills and talent in our personnel, so they may strive for quality, not only in the products and services we provide but also in their personal and family life.
For Multiceras, Quality is based upon:
Integrity
Excellence
Service
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Ideas, innovation and improvement are the only path to progress. We rely on our team creativity in problem solving and decision making, adding value in all tasks we carry out everyday.
For Multiceras, Creativity is based upon:
Drive
Continuous Improvement
Openness to Change
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Multiceras is inspired and supported by solid corporate values, which lead our actions everyday and help us align the efforts of all our people with the company's strategy.
With Solid Corporate Values
Our Mission
Our Values
OMMITMENT UALITY
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®Candelilla REAL is a family of products developed and manufactured by Multiceras. The products are based on high purity Candelilla wax.
Candelilla wax is obtained from the wild plant named Euphorbia Cerifera, which grows almost exclusively in zones of semi-arid climate in Mexico.
Candelilla wax is a 100% natural substance, hard, friable and easy to pulverize. Its color may vary from light brown to yellow, depending on the refining and bleaching degrees. It dissolves the basic dyes well and it can reach high levels of brilliance.
Most constituents of Candelilla wax are natural components found normally in vegetables and fruits.
Its chemical composition is characterized by a high hydrocarbon content and a low amount of volatile esters.
Its resin content can reach up to 9% in weight, which contributes to its adhesive properties.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies Candelilla wax as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) natural substance for applications in the food industry and it is widely used in a diversity of sectors in this industry.
Code Presentation Product AcidNumber Color
7806
7808
7820
7826
7833
Light-S Candelilla
Light Candelilla
Light Special Candelilla
Micronized Candelilla
Refined Candelilla
®REAL
®REAL
®REAL
®REAL
®REAL
12-22
12-22
12-22
12-22
12-22
®Candelilla REAL
®Candelilla REAL is used in a wide diversity of applications, and is currently used in more than 20 different industries worldwide, mainly in the European Union, the United States and Japan.
Its distinctive properties make it an essential material for the manufacturing of cosmetics, gum base, inks, adhesives, coatings, emulsions, polishes and pharmaceutical products.
In the cosmetics industry, due to its protective ®properties, Candelilla REAL is indispensable for
an important range of formulas used in the production of lipsticks, body lotions and hair preparations.
®Because of its plastic properties, Candelilla REAL is used in the production of chewing gum. Moreover, its oil retention properties allow it to better preserve flavors.
A specialty application can be found in the precision foundry and molding industry where, due to the extraordinary molding properties of
®Candelilla REAL , it allows a precise reproduction of every detail, as required in these stringent manufacturing processes.
Its chemical stability, high melting point, impermeability and dielectric properties, make it highly useful in the manufacture of a diversity of products for the electronic and electrical industries.
Natural par Excellence
Powder
Flakes
Pastilles
Powder
Pastilles
MeltingPoint
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method. Acid Number by USP 401.
156-163
156-163
156-163
156-163
156-163
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow
Brown
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Beeswax
Beeswax is commonly known as White Wax (Cera
Alba) or Yellow Wax (Cera Flava), depending on
the product degree of refining. Bees secrete the
basic raw material during the honeycomb
building process.
Raw Beeswax is obtained by melting and filtering
the honeycombs, thus producing a clean wax.
This raw wax has a color that ranges between
brown and yellow, depending on the flower type
growing in the place where the bees inhabit.
Beeswax contains free acids, esters and other
natural components, which provide special
characteristics to the wax, such as emulsifying
properties, plasticity, compatibility with other
natural products and a pleasant scent.
These properties make Beeswax a highly valued
product for cosmetic formulations, such as face
and body creams. Other uses include candles,
textile products and polishes for shoes and
furniture.
It can be said that Beeswax is the origin of
Multiceras existence, since this was the first
product commercialized by the company. The
hexagon, characteristic of a honeycomb, which
can be observed in the company's logo, is meant
as a tribute to this valuable natural wax.
Raw Beeswax is brought directly from producers
in different geographic locations to the Multiceras
facilities, to be processed for the production of
various high quality products.
The wide experience acquired by Multiceras
handling and formulating Beeswax, has enabled
the company to position itself as a reliable
developer of synthetic products, which reproduce
the properties of this family of natural waxes.
All beeswax products marketed by Multiceras
fulfill the USP specifications.
7203
7204
7205
7207
7215
7232
17-24
17-24
3-8
17-23
5-24
0.9-5
MeltingPointCode Product Acid
Number Color
Purity and Majesty
Cera Flava
Cera Alba
Beeswax S-7205
Beeswax S-7207
Beeswax S-7215
Beeswax S-7232
Yellow
White-Yellowish
Yellow
Yellow
Yellow-Brownish
Yellow-Brownish
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method. Acid Number by USP 401.
144-149
144-149
133-140
129-140
147-153
136-149
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Carnauba Wax
Carnauba Wax is obtained from the leaves of a
palm species known as Copernicia Cerifera, so
named in honor of the Polish astronomer
Nicholas Copernicus.
The plant grows typically in the dry regions of
Ceará, northeastern Brazil, although it also grows
to a minor extent in southern Brazil and in the
northern regions of Paraguay and Argentina.
The Copernicia Cerifera is a straight-trunk palm
of slow growth, attaining an average height of 25
to 35 ft, although it can exceptionally reach up to
40 ft in height. Its bark is scaly, rough and thick.
The leaves grow out from yard-long petioles in
wide serried fan shapes. During the dry months,
the leaves and petioles exude a wax through the
pores, provided by nature to prevent excessive
water evaporation from the plant. The tree
reproduces prolifically.
Carnauba Wax is well known for its shine
properties. It combines hardness and wear
resistance and is compatible with many types of
wax. Depending on the tree age and on the
portion of the leaf wherefrom the wax is
extracted, different grades of Carnauba Wax can
be obtained.
The applications of Carnauba Wax are diverse. It
can be used in shoe and floor polishes, as well as
in cosmetics such as creams and beauty
products, among others.
6001
6003
6004
4-10
2-10
2-10
MeltingPointCode Product Acid
Number Color
The Shine from Brazil
Type I Carnauba Wax
Type III Carnauba Wax
Type IV Carnauba Wax
181-187
181-187
181-187
Yellow
Brownish
Brown
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method. Acid Number by USP 401.
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Cartowax®
Corrugated cardboard boxes are wax-coated to
protect their packing integrity, particularly for
their application in the food industry, where
products must arrive to the final customer with
their essential properties preserved.
The systems most commonly used for wax
application on corrugated cardboard boxes are
the following:
Cascade saturation
Saturation by immersion
Medium impregnation
®The Cartowax product line, developed and
manufactured by Multiceras, is integrated by wax
blends specifically formulated to improve the
properties and characteristics of corrugated
cardboard boxes. Fortified with special additive
blends for each application system and use, the ®Cartowax products provide excellent
functionality and performance.
The properties of corrugated cardboard boxes, ®which are reinforced by applying Cartowax
products, are the following:
444
Humidity Resistance: Due to its protective ®nature, the Cartowax products provide
cardboard with greater protection against
humidity, enabling the packed product to
maintain its properties entirely. Moreover, ®application of Cartowax improves strength and
consistency of cardboard boxes, even when
exposed to freezing temperatures for long
periods of time.
®Stowing Stiffness: Cartowax increases
stiffness of corrugated cardboard boxes,
improving their stowing capacity, thus leading to
a more efficient and economic storage.
Lower Blocking Index: The higher blocking ®points of Cartowax products decrease the
blocking tendency of cardboard boxes during
handling and storage.
®Flexibility: The application of Cartowax
products improve the properties of corrugated
cardboard boxes during the folding process.
MeltingPointCode Product Penetration Color
150
1504
1534
1546
1553
3 Multrend PA 1503
Cubricer
Cartowax
Cartowax Cascading
Cartowax Medium
®
®
®
5 m x.
5 max.
15 max.
-
15 max.
a 0.5 m x.
0.5 max.
a
+10 min.
+18 min.
+20 min.
183-198
194-205
140-149
-
136-144
Strength and Protection
CongealingPoint
167-180
180-187
137-144
135-144
-
Penetration (dmm) ASTM D1321. Color ASTM D1500 (figures in , ASTM D156). blueNotes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method (figures in , ASTM D127). Congealing Point (ºF) ASTM D938. red
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Synthetic Waxes
Synthetic Waxes are chemical products
developed artificially by man, with the aim of
complementing the physical properties of
vegetable, animal, mineral and petroleum waxes
that exist normally in nature.
As in many other industrial fields, the market
share of Synthetic Waxes has experienced an
accelerated growth from year to year.
There are different categories used to classify
Synthetic Waxes, depending mainly on their basic
functional groups.
The most common Synthetic Waxes include long
chain ethylene polymers, halogenated
hydrocarbons, alkyl esters and polyhydric alcohol
(polyol) esters, hydrogenated waxes, straight
chain and cyclic ketones, amide derivatives of
fatty acids, reaction products of hydrocarbons,
esters of fatty acids and derivatives of
polyoxyethylene sorbitol, among others.
The Fischer-Tropsch Waxes are well known
among Synthetic Waxes. They consist of
hydrocarbons of very high molecular weight and
melting point, as well as great hardness. They
are obtained as byproducts from a liquid fuel
synthesis (gasoline and diesel) from carbon
monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H ) by the 2
Fischer-Tropsch reaction.
Polyethylene Waxes, which are obtained from the
heating and cracking of high quality polyethylene
resins, have a wide range of applications.
Synthetic Waxes can be used in the production of
polishes, gum base, crayons, adhesives, dyes,
paints, hot melts, PVC extrusion, foundry and
textile, among many other applications.
MeltingPointCode Product Penetration Color
90
9011
9022
9060
9083
09 0 2
4 max.
-
15 max.
15 max.
- White
White
White
White
Yellow
Solids(%)Code Product pH Color
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Wax Emulsions
3016
3017
3031
Norwax 526
Norwax 527
Coreshield 800
®
®
®
55-59
55-59
40-43
9-11
9-11
7-11
An emulsion is a two phase system, formed by
two partly miscible liquids; one of them
dispersed in the form of small globules
(dispersed or internal phase) into the body of the
other (continuous or external phase). An external
agent is added to one of the two liquid phases to
facilitate the formation and stability of the
dispersion.
In any kind of emulsion, the great interfacial
tension and interfacial area result in a higher free
energy for the emulsion, compared to that of the
two separate phases.
To supply this energy, an equal amount of
mechanical work must be added to achieve the
phase integration.
An active surface agent, such as soap or
detergent, or any molecule with one polar and
one hydrocarbon end, can be added to the
separate wax-water systems to considerably
reduce the interfacial tension, as well as to
extend the emulsion stability. These additives are
known as emulsifying agents.
An emulsifiable wax (natural, petroleum or
synthetic) can be normally dispersed in water,
with or without alteration of its original chemical
composition, with the participation of an
emulsifying agent.
The aim of producing a wax emulsion (disperse
phase) in water (continuous phase) is to take
advantage of water evaporation after the
emulsion application, in order to assure a
uniform impregnation and deposit of the wax
material on the treatment surface.
Wax Emulsions are currently used for treating
different surfaces, such as particleboard,
cardboard, egg trays, gypsum panels and other
construction materials, PVC, rubber and textile
products, among others.
Innovation in Action A Total Solution
Micro Wax MC 95 (F. Tropsch)
Oxidized Polyethylene Wax
Palmitic Acid
Polyethylene Wax
Multek-CR 9083
223-230
221-228
136-145
185-239
185-212
Notes: Melting Point (ºF) by the USP 741 Class II method (figures in , ASTM D127).redPenetration (dmm) ASTM D1321.
White
White
White-Beige
Not s: and are Registered Trade Marks of Walker Industries Holdings Ltd.e Norwax Coreshield® ®
Coreshield Patents: United States - 6,890,976; Canada - 2,449,735; Mexico - 233,730.®
2001
2002
2003
2005
2014
2015
2017
2022
2024
2031
2033
2036
2037
2038
2055
2063
2065
2075
2085
15-20
15 max.
30-50
60 min.
90-125
90-125
-
16-33
10-25
18-30
16 max.
20 max.
20 max.
20 max.
35-45
65-75
30-45
20-35
15 max.
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Microcrystalline Waxes
MeltingPointCode Product Penetration Color
Microcrystalline Waxes are products derived from
petroleum, consisting of complex hydrocarbon
mixtures that include normal paraffin, as well as
monocyclic and polycyclic compounds, which are
products with a ramified molecular structure.
Microcrystalline Waxes have a very high average
molecular weight (580-700), with a chain length
between 40 and 50 carbon atoms, which result in
a high viscosity, considerably higher than that
observed in Paraffin Waxes.
Unlike Paraffin Waxes, which are formed by
macro-crystals, Microcrystalline Waxes are
formed by very small and flexible crystals, which
produce a higher oil affinity (oil gets literally
“trapped” within the microcrystalline structure
and it is not able to migrate to the surface).
Due to these distinctive properties,
Microcrystalline Waxes are highly malleable and
less fragile than Paraffin Waxes.
Microcrystalline Waxes are compatible with most
vegetable, animal and mineral waxes, as well as
with a great variety of synthetic and natural
resins.
Their properties make them an essential raw
material for a wide range of applications that
include cosmetics, chewing gum, paper,
cardboard, industrial coatings, candles, rust
prevention, adhesives and textile products,
among others.
Macro-Flexibility
Microcrystalline Wax
Amber Wax
Yellow Slack
Amber Petrolatum 158
Modeling Clay Base Wax
Modeling Clay Wax
Microcrystalline Wax
White Microcrystalline Wax
Mulprox 2024
Mulprox 2031
Microcrystalline Wax
Nozono Wax 29-32
Nozono Wax 31-33
Nozono Wax A
Cream Paraffin
Gasket Wax 0-202
Crayon Wax
Campeche Wax
Wick Wax
178-189
172-183
147-160
122 min.
162-172
154-165
176-189
144-162
172-187
158-169
154-165
156-176
135-153
153 min.
144-158
172-180
154-181
153-171
153-171
1.5-2.5
7.0 max.
5.0 max.
7.5 max.
4.5 max.
4.5 max.
2.0 max.
0.5 max.
4.5 max.
3.0 max.
2.0 max.
1.5 max.
4.0 max.
2.0 max.
4.5 max.
3.5 max.
7.0 max.
1.0 max.
+8.0 min.
Notes: Melting Point (ºF) by ASTM D127 method [figures in : Congealing point (ºF) ASTM D938]. redPenetration (dmm) ASTM D1321. Color ASTM D1500 (figures in , ASTM D156). blue
MeltingPointCode Product Penetration Color
1001
1003
1010
1015
1017
1022
1025
1026
1032
1038
1039
1042
1046
1049
1052
1060
1061
1081
1805
2.0 max.
0.5 max.
1.5 max.
0.5 max.
0.5 max.
0.5 max.
0.0 min.
+20 min.
+25 min.
+25 min.
+10 min.
+5 min.
+10 min.
+25 min.
+25 min.
+20 min.
+25 min.
+20 min.
-10 min.
Paraffin Waxes are products derived from
petroleum, composed mainly of straight chain
hydrocarbons without ramifications, with an
average molecular weight between 360 and 420,
and a chain length of 18 to 40 carbon atoms.
Generally, Paraffin Waxes are processed in different
refining stages (oil elimination), leading to an
ample grade variety classified by melting point.
They are characterized by a macro-crystalline
structure (large friable crystals).
Paraffin Waxes are recognized by their high purity,
excellent shine and discrete odor. They present
thermoplastic and water repellency properties,
which make them highly useful in diverse protection
applications, such as cardboard packing for the food
industry, cheese coating, as well as paper wax coating.
Due to their combustion properties, they are widely used as an essential raw material in candle manufacturing.
Other applications include cosmetics, crayons, adhesives, carbon paper, textile products, dyes and foundry.
Ceresin and Ozokerite are obtained from mixtures of Paraffin Waxes with saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons of high molecular weight.
By nature, these products offer a great consistency in quality parameters; therefore they are widely used for several cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, such as creams, lotions and balms.
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Variety and QualityParaffin Waxes
Thread Wax
Petroleum Wax
Yellow Slack 120
Refined Paraffin Wax 150
Drop of Water Paraffin
Refined Paraffin Wax 130
Ciriowax
Refined Paraffin Wax 140
Ozokerite 160
Multrend PL 1038
Paraffin Wax F-Nac
Histowax
Ozokerite 165
Ceresin 136
Refined Paraffin Wax 132/134
Mulpax 1060
Refined Paraffin Wax
Multrend AD 1081
Candle Wax
133-144
185-203
86-122
149-154
136-144
127-133
138-145
136-144
136-144
131-140
165-172
131-136
131-136
136-144
140-147
149-162
154-162
151-162
174-192
15 max.
2-9
40-150
3-12
10-25
15 max.
15 max.
7-15
5-15
15 max.
15 max.
10 max.
15 max.
8-16
15 max.
15 max.
13 max.
15 max.
9-19
Notes: Melting point (ºF) by USP 741 Class II method [figures in : Congealing point (ºF) ASTM D938]. redPenetration (dmm) ASTM D1321. Color ASTM D1500 (figures in ASTM D156). blue
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CarnaubaWax
SyntheticWaxes
WaxEmulsions
MicrocrystallineWaxes
ParaffinWaxes
Lubricants
Wax Sculpting
Paper
Plastics
Modeling Clay
Plumbing
Polishes
Radiology
Refractories
Textiles
Inks
Matches
Particle Board
Pharmaceuticals
Rubber
Rust Prevention
Cartowax
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Beeswax
Adhesives
Agriculture
Cardboard
Construction
Cosmetics
Crayons
Fireworks / Military Industry
Foundry
Gum Base
Histology
Electronic / Electric IndustryCandles
Carbon Paper
Cheese Coating
Cleaning Industry
Fire Logs
Application and Product Family Matrix Candelilla
®REAL
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Since early on, Multiceras has established a strong commitment to quality and has obtained the
certification and implemented a rigorous application of the ISO 9001:2000 standard for all critical
processes.
Multiceras executives have defined Quality in Service as one of their top priorities, striving constantly
to improve customer satisfaction levels.
As an essential part of this continuous improvement process, it has been fundamental to keep a
permanent monitoring of all critical variables, one of the most important of which is the Customer
Satisfaction Level.
Multiceras applies a biannual survey to measure the customer satisfaction level, in which 10 concepts
related to products, value, service and communication are assessed through a numeric scale from 0 to
10, where a higher score means greater satisfaction. The company has established its control
parameters with a 7.5 score for minimum level, 8.5 for satisfactory level and 9.5 for outstanding level.
The evaluation results have been very positive, yielding an average score of 9.24 for the last 3 years.
These results encourage Multiceras to keep on improving the quality of its products and services.
Looking forward to the future, Multiceras develops efficient operating practices day after day, with the
aim of being more competitive in its specialty world market.
A Steadfast Quality Commitment
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Multiceras business strategy involves the development of new products, formulations and materials,
the move towards higher value-added business sectors, as well as the integration with complementary
industries, enabling us to fulfill the increasing needs of both Mexican and international markets.
To achieve these objectives, it is of prime importance to establish links between the development of
proprietary technologies and those technologies generated in other disciplines and industrial sectors.
For this reason, Multiceras promotes the formation of alliances with strategic partners, specialized
research centers and academic institutions throughout the world.
The Candelilla Institute was created by Multiceras as a strategic initiative that promotes world
competitiveness of Candelilla wax products, through projects based on international marketing,
technological research, sustainable development and socio-economical growth. In this high priority
venture, Multiceras is supported by prestigious research centers and Mexican universities.
Multiceras works with prestigious international corporations for the development of new wax products
and other specialty formulations, related to the basic product portfolio marketed by the company. Such
is the case of wax emulsions, where Multiceras has established a strategic alliance with the Canadian
Corporation Norjohn Ltd., a member of Walker Industries Holdings Ltd., headquartered in Ontario,
Canada.
Competition prevailing in the Candelilla wax industry has motivated companies to carry out
investments in productive infrastructure, in order to assure the supply of this important natural raw
material. However, none of these investments have focused on the integral use of this resource
through technological research and sustainable development programs, which could be efficiently put
into practice. The problem, which has existed for over a century, remains unsolved.
Based on this endeavor and supported by its technological associates and government institutions, The
Candelilla Institute is committed to the economic and social development of the Mexican Candelilla
Region.
www.candelilla.org
Strategy with Technological Innovation
