Industrial growth in the United States has entered a pivotal period, driven by higher tariffs, new incentives to relocate, companies seeking more reliable supply chains, and the government’s push for localization. For businesses planning to build or grow operations in the U.S., having the right outlook matters now more than ever.
Building From Scratch
“The biggest mistake companies make when entering the U.S. industrial market is treating expansion as merely a financial or engineering project,” says Luis de Mendonca, an experienced industrial leader with three decades of knowledge in global manufacturing. “While capital and technology are essential, success requires a multi-layered strategy.”
This strategy must connect supply chain needs, government incentives and local workforce availability. Companies that miss these connections often face unexpected delays and lost opportunities.
“Having money and technology is not just about finances. It’s strategic,” Mr. de Mendonca notes. “You have to think about regulatory challenges, and you have to look for supply chain limitations. And also, if you have a workforce available, it goes a long way.”
Beyond The Money
Mr. de Mendonca brings 30 years of experience in the chemical industry to his role, including nearly two decades at Huntsman International LLC, where he held key leadership positions such as LatAm business director and board member.
Impressive academic credentials, including an International Executive MBA from Ohio University and a Master of Science in material science and engineering from Universidade Federal de São Carlos, support Mr. de Mendonca’s competence. Executive education programs at Harvard Business School, Kellogg School of Management, University of Cambridge and Columbia Business School complement these credentials.
Aside from his professional achievements, Mr. de Mendonca has earned renown for his patent for the Mutatis Methodology for Successful Strategic Business Transformation. He also authored the 2022 book “Change Strategy – The Art of Driving Strategic Impact in Organizations.”
Government Relationships
Mr. de Mendonca’s perspective on government relations has been crucial to securing incentives for the company’s expansion. Instead of viewing government entities as merely regulatory bodies, he focuses on demonstrating how his company’s presence will benefit local economies through detailed economic impact data.
“The government cannot be just perceived as a regulatory body. They don’t invest in companies. They invest in economic development,” Mr. de Mendonca explains. “You need to provide facts and figures, economic data that demonstrate that if you place that company there, it will help the state or the county develop the local economy.”
Mr. de Mendonca’s leadership style emphasizes decentralized decision-making and parallel work streams to maintain momentum. “Through brainstorming and cooperation with the team, we find alternatives to overlook the problem that we are facing,” he says. The more you make it rigid, the less you can move forward.”
Who is Luis de Mendonca?
Mr. de Mendonca is a seasoned industrial leader with three decades of experience in the chemical industry. Currently serving as president of Green Energy Origin’s North American division, he is spearheading the company’s strategic expansion in the United States. He is establishing a foundation for localized battery materials production to strengthen North America’s energy supply chain.
Mr. de Mendonca’s impressive career includes serving as chief executive officer of DSI Partners from 2019 to 2023, where he led strategic business transformation initiatives. Prior to that, he spent nearly two decades at Huntsman International LLC, holding key leadership positions including LatAm business director and board member.
Mr. de Mendonca is also committed to social responsibility, actively supporting Rede do Bem Brasil and volunteering with children’s charities and hospitals. In his personal time, he enjoys riding horses and spending time with his daughter.
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