In the high-stakes world of industrial manufacturing, the ability to transform complex systems into agile, high-performing operations is a skill few possess at scale. Mauricio Pincheira has built his 25+ year career around this very capability — applying engineering-driven strategies and lean manufacturing principles to deliver operational excellence, drive profitability, and lead large organizations through transformative change. (Intro paragraph)
About Mauricio Pincheira
Currently, Mauricio leads the Automotive and Industrial business at The Chemico Group, a $200 million minority-owned chemical management and distribution enterprise with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. In this role, he holds full P&L responsibility, overseeing performance, growth, and innovation across a diverse industrial customer base. A certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt (MBB) and Project Management Professional (PMP), Mauricio brings both analytical rigor and strategic vision to every initiative he leads.
From the earliest stages of his career, Mauricio has approached business through the lens of engineering problem-solving. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University, followed by a Master of Science in Manufacturing Management from Kettering University. This academic foundation provided the tools for data-driven analysis, systems thinking, and continuous improvement — all core elements of his leadership style today.
Mauricio honed his expertise in lean systems and transformation during his tenure at General Motors, one of the world’s largest and most complex manufacturing organizations. At GM, he held multiple executive roles where he led high-volume production operations, deployed lean manufacturing initiatives, and drove enterprise-wide improvement programs. His work consistently produced measurable results in areas such as cycle time reduction, quality improvement, and cost optimization.
Later, in the private equity sector, Mauricio took on the challenge of leading North American operations for a global battery manufacturer. There, he applied his transformation experience to a fast-moving, investment-focused environment, overseeing post-merger integration, supply chain redesign, and cross-border team alignment. He delivered sustainable operational improvements while positioning the business for future scalability and investor value.
At Chemico, Mauricio continues to apply lean principles across supply chain, logistics, and customer delivery models, helping the company maintain its reputation as one of the most efficient and reliable chemical management providers in the industry. His engineering-first approach ensures that solutions are not only strategic but also practical and measurable, with clear KPIs tied to business outcomes.
But Mauricio’s impact extends beyond operations. He actively supports STEM education for underrepresented youth, mentors aspiring engineers, and serves on the board of Just Cause, a nonprofit supporting individuals reentering society after incarceration. He has also held leadership roles in organizations like the SHPE Detroit Chapter, the GM Latino Network, and the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, reinforcing his belief that technical excellence must be matched by social responsibility.
Mauricio Pincheira is not just an expert in lean — he is a leader in using engineering as a strategic lever for transformation. Across Fortune 100 companies, private equity ventures, and minority-owned enterprises, his work continues to redefine what’s possible in industrial operations.
About Southfield, Michigan
With its mix of cultures, events, and community programs, Southfield promotes an inclusive atmosphere where people of all backgrounds feel welcome. It’s a city that values diversity and community spirit.
