Updated for relevancy: October 4, 2023

Setting up factories in strategic locations is a pivotal decision for manufacturing companies looking to optimize their operations. Among the many options available globally, factories in Mexico stand out as a particularly cost-effective and advantageous solution for a wide range of industries. Here, we’ll delve into the many reasons why businesses are increasingly choosing Mexico as their preferred manufacturing base.

Why Set Up Factories in Mexico?

Mexico offers an array of benefits that make it an attractive location for establishing factories:

Proximity to the United States

With its shared border to the United States and an overall advantageous geographical position, Mexico offers easy access to one of the world’s largest markets. This proximity reduces transportation costs and ensures timely delivery of goods.

Highly Skilled Workforce

Mexico boasts a growing, well-educated labor force that specializes in various manufacturing sectors, allowing companies to tap into local expertise and knowledge.

The Maquiladora Program

Under the IMMEX program, also known as the Maquiladora Program, companies can import raw materials duty-free, process or assemble them in Mexico, and then export the finished or semi-finished products.

Competitive Real Estate Costs

Whether it’s manufacturing locations in the states of Baja California and Sonora, in the vibrant hub of Mexico City or in other key regions, real estate costs in Mexico are often more competitive than in other countries that have comparable capabilities.

Integrated Supply Chain

Mexico has developed robust supply chain networks, especially in its core manufacturing sectors, enabling companies to source components locally and efficiently. A wide variety of manufacturing companies in Mexico benefit from these supply chains across numerous stages in the overall manufacturing and shipping process.

What Makes Mexico So Cost-Effective Compared to Other Locations?

Beyond the specific reasons mentioned above, the overall cost structure in Mexico is simply conducive to conducting profitable business across nearly every sector. Labor costs, even while offering a highly skilled workforce, are competitive when compared to other countries. Combined with the benefits from the IMMEX program and reduced transportation costs due to its close proximity to major markets, companies can achieve significant operational savings.

Key Sectors with Factories in Mexico

Several industries have recognized the benefits of manufacturing in Mexico. Here are just a few of the key sectors that have already set up or transitioned their operations:

Automotive Industry

Mexico’s automotive industry, including auto parts manufacturing, has thrived in recent years due to its integrated supply chain and proximity to the U.S. auto market.

Electronics

Leading global electronics brands have established factories in Mexico to serve both the domestic market as well as export services to international markets.

Aerospace

With its highly skilled workforce and specialized training programs, Mexico has been attracting major players in the aerospace industry, particularly over the last decade.

Medical Devices

Given the country’s stringent quality control standards and its proximity to the U.S. market, Mexico has become a hub for medical device manufacturing.

Textiles

Leveraging the benefits of the maquiladora program, many textile companies have set up operations in Mexico to efficiently manufacture and export their products.

Consumer Products

The growing middle class in Mexico, along with access to the broader North American market, make it a preferred location for all manner of consumer product manufacturers.

Furniture

With abundant raw materials and highly skilled craftsmen, the furniture industry has seen robust growth in Mexico in recent years.

Agrifood Systems

Taking advantage of the rich agricultural regions in various Mexican states, the agrifood industry processes and exports a significant portion of the country’s produce to global markets.

Considering Factories in Mexico for Your Business

The simple fact is that factories in Mexico present a winning combination of cost-effective operations, a skilled workforce, and strategic location advantages. Companies looking to expand their manufacturing operations or seeking an efficient base for exports should seriously consider what Mexico has to offer. With entities like NAPS providing guidance and support, setting up in Mexico can be as seamless as expanding in your home country.