Rice Propulsion

Rice Propulsion is a family-driven company that has become a renowned manufacturer of marine propulsion equipment worldwide. Guided by the ethos of its pioneering founder of “best quality, high-durability and maximum performance”, the company is primed to maintain its place as Mexico’s biggest foundry for bronze-made propellers for large vessels, according to COO Perla Rice. Report by Andy Probert.

Mazatlán is a traditional Mexican resort town on the Pacific shoreline of Sinaloa State, with 21km of lush sandy beaches. It is renowned for big-game fishing – and Rice Propulsion; a giant of the propulsion industry whose mighty propellers help drive vessels and the company’s name across the seven seas.

“We make ships move,” said Perla Rice, COO. “My greatest satisfaction is being on board a vessel with our propulsion systems, offering the best performance.” The business has experienced continuous forward motion, priding itself on manufacturing the highest quality bronze castings by tapping into new technologies, while utilising cutting-edge software design and simulation to satisfy the industry’s most challenging demands. It offers more than 4,000 models for different propulsion systems, with a global clientele ranging from the US Coast Guard, the Secretaría de Marina de México, the biggest tuna fishing company in America and catering to the fishing sector in Mexico.

Four generations

Today’s high-tech approach to creating massive propulsion systems is a world away from

when Maximino Rice first set out on his career working in mines and foundries. With a forge, anvil, hand tools and the help of Luisa, his wife, he opened a blacksmith's shop in Mexico to service general and naval industries. In 1919, he patented a system to produce cast iron rings for internal combustion engines.

The second generation showed their flair for mechanical competencies by working with iron and steel. Luis Rice and his brother Andres developed several companies related to the naval industry, including Rice Propulsion, which launched in 1959. In the USA, he patented a device still used today to draw and machine the pitch for propeller patterns. He also developed nickel-aluminium alloys that combine high resistance and great elongation; now prototypes for international certification agencies.

The third generation saw Jose Luis Rice recognised for his technical mindset. He designed, developed and established the manufacturing systems for all the propeller and bronze production departments. He also expanded the company’s global reach, exporting over 80% of the production. He patented the nozzle manufacturing process in the USA and developed a parallel market with the propeller and nozzle combination. Having opened up to new markets, he established Rice Propulsion as the only propeller manufacturing company in Mexico and a renowned name in North and South America and across the globe.

With the fourth generation's arrival, Jose Luis Rice Junior, Perla's brother, took over the company in 2002. Due to the demand for larger pieces, he extended the foundry

RICE PROPULSION I PROFILE

and machining capabilities to manufacture propellers up to four metres in diameter.

Under his leadership, the repair service area grew, allowing access to newer, more complex markets that demand such specialised services. His objective for the future was to maintain Rice Propulsion's competitiveness in price and technology, catering to increasingly demanding international requirements.

“I started working in the family company in 2007,” Ms Rice said, “when, despite being told it was not an industry for women, it was fascinating for me to arrive in a foundry of huge bronze pieces, which, in my opinion, are still wonderful. To this day, it continues to be an industry that fills my heart.”

With a master’s degree in advertising, she transformed the place. She took the reins of the business image, updating the company logo, inserting a propeller inside the ‘E’ of ‘RICE’, updating brochures, dec -

orating and designing offices, creating a website, and taking care of the company’s presentations to clients and at fairs.

“Now, as owners, my brother and I are an excellent team at making decisions for every department,” Ms Rice continued. “I feel comfortable working with and surrounded by engineers, making production decisions on casting and machining parts.

“As an international company with six decades’ experience in producing marine propellers of the highest quality and durability, the company crosses borders into new markets and consolidates its existing ones. It is a leader in the industrial area as the biggest foundry in Mexico for manufacturing bronze pieces, having as our star product propellers for big vessels. That has only been achieved by four generations of hard work and commitment.”

The company has achieved many milestones, such as designing and calculating entire propulsion systems, designing specialist propellers for rough places: rivers with its heavy river wheel, and polar and ice class propellers for ice breakers. Manufacturing different alloys in-house and contracts with the US Coast Guard are stand-outs.

International operator

Today, Rice Propulsion employs 80 people at the facility where its kilns can melt 12 tonnes of bronze. Their machining area offers boring machines, milling machines and CNC lathes, machine tools for making parts, and scanning systems for analysis. The shaft-turning machines can work pieces up to 15m long and 8 tonnes in weight. The company has also invested in a new high-capacity vertical CNC lathe capable of machining pieces up to 50 tonnes of weight, 3.5m in height and 5m in diameter.

Ms Rice added that its processes are strictly supervised for the composition

and purity of its alloys, ensuring they meet world quality norms under ISO 9001. Each product is endorsed, under request, by certification agencies such as DNV-GL, ABS, ClassNK, Lloyd’s Register, CCS, RINA and Bureau Veritas.

Electrolytic materials with 99.9% purity are used, making it possible to offer mechanical properties that ensure highquality standards for each alloy. Models are designed using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM software, making manufacturing more efficient and precise.

“Our prime commitment to clients is to offer technical support before acquiring

Rice Propulsion COO Perla Rice

a product,” Ms Rice added, “so that along with our specialised service and required infrastructure, advanced technology, state-of-the-art equipment and well-trained personnel, we can guarantee a product of the best quality, high-durability and maximum performance.”

Rice Propulsion has enjoyed 15% business growth year-on-year and is increasing its sales force worldwide. Ms Rice said: “The business aims to become a leader in

manufacturing marine propulsion equipment with clear objectives in updating designs, technology and comparative knowledge to optimise product performance.”

While the company is active in supplying other industries, such as cement, electrical, metal, mining and sugar mills, it remains dedicated to the maritime industry. Despite challenges, such as competition from China and political and security concerns in Mexico, Ms Rice said: “The company has remained diligent with its suppliers and clients, keeping the best relationship possible with suppliers while maintaining the highest quality products delivered to clients.”

To become more sustainable, the company has studied implementing solar panels on its plant to enable cleaner processes and operations. It is also monitoring plans for new

business parks locally, which intend to use sustainable resources to reduce pollution.

To propel Rice Propulsion's ambitions globally, Ms Rice said the company would consider a business partner that wants to invest with the “aim to help Rice Propulsion’s expansion, make more parts in Mexico and have a greater presence on more continents.” n