The Aerospace Supplier Forum held last Thursday created a large gathering to support this growing sector in the Baja California region. Manufacturing for the aerospace industry in Mexico has grown exponentially over the last few years; however, its residence in Baja California specifically, continues to expand at a rapid pace. Baja’s geographical relation to California seems to draw in many potential investors, as its capability to expand into San Diego and various imperial counties have proven to be beneficial for the aerospace industry.

The industries labor is also growing, with an overall employment of 236,000 workers in Baja California’s Maquiladora industry. The industry offers jobs that are higher in pay, skill and “can help the state evolve from the traditional Maquiladora assembly plant model”.

Baja currently houses around 64 aerospace companies, and can vary in products that are manufactured. Aside from the current 64 residents, the numbers look promising with 30 companies who are currently undergoing certification programs, taking the number to 94 by the end of the year.

At the Forum many different, well-known, companies established their presence including Parker Hannifin. “Parker Hannifin, which manufactures seals for automobiles and aircraft at its Tijuana facility, is looking to expand its Mexican supply base, said Jorge David, a supply chain manager for the company. “We can say that 95 percent of our supply base comes from California, and it’s time for us to start looking at Mexican suppliers, if possible,” according to the Union Tribune.

Aerospace is one of the many growing Mexico manufacturing sectors and  Baja California continues to drive the country’s effort to attract more foreign companies and increase local employment.