**Prime Wheel Faces Potential Fine Up to 15 Million Pesos**
**Reported By: Mara Yáñez**
**October 28, 2024**
The company Prime Wheel, located in the Chilpancingo neighborhood of Tijuana, is under investigation by labor authorities due to multiple serious incidents. The incidents include a worker becoming trapped in machinery on August 12, the disappearance of Servando Cano on August 26, and the unfortunate death of Eduardo Ortiz Franco on October 23.
Following Ortiz Franco’s death, the government closed Plants 1 and 2, which are involved in wheel manufacturing. However, Plant 3 remains operational, but Prime Wheel has only five days to submit missing documentation, such as an operating permit and comply with civil protection requirements. The fines for non-compliance could range from 127,000 to 15 million pesos, as stated by Arnulfo Guerrero, Tijuana’s municipal government secretary.
Jorge Ortiz Franco, uncle of the deceased, has demanded justice for his nephew, highlighting that this is not the first deadly incident at the company. Eduardo Ortiz Franco left behind a child, and his family hopes for a fair settlement.
The accident occurred at around 12:15 a.m., with Ortiz Franco declared dead on-site by paramedics. Carmen Morales, his former partner, revealed that Ortiz Franco had a hearing impairment, yet he was not supposed to be in a risky location where the accident happened.
The incident is being treated as a potential workplace accident by the State Attorney General’s Office, with an assurance that a comprehensive investigation, including analysis of surveillance footage, is underway.
Government bodies are collaborating to rectify the situation at Prime Wheel. Several authorities, including federal and local labor departments, civil protection, fire services, and the city’s inspection unit, are involved.
Arnulfo Guerrero noted deficiencies in Prime Wheel’s safety compliance, and Alejandro Arregui Ibarra of the Labor and Social Welfare Department stated further inspections will take place to determine any criminal liabilities.
Prime Wheel has issued a statement committing to reviewing safety protocols and ensuring that the rights of employees affected by plant suspensions are upheld.
—
**Secondary Article: Workplace Safety Overhaul Needed Following Incidents at Tijuana Manufacturing Plant**
In light of recent tragic events at a Tijuana manufacturing facility, experts are highlighting an urgent need to address safety regulations in industrial workplaces across the region. With high-profile cases such as the accident at Prime Wheel drawing media attention, discussions are intensifying about the systemic issues affecting employee safety standards.
Authorities are calling for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and more rigorous inspections to prevent future incidents. This push for reform across Mexico’s manufacturing sector aligns with global standards aiming to prioritize worker welfare and reduce accident risks.
Industry analysts predict that these moves could lead to significant changes in how manufacturing operations are conducted, emphasizing preventative measures and accountability. Advocates believe that a shift towards a safety-first approach is essential for protecting workers and enhancing the sector’s overall reputation and productivity.