When foreign manufacturers consider expanding into Mexico, location is more than just a geographic detail—it can define everything from labor availability to supply chain efficiency to long-term growth. In fact, while the whole of Mexico is a manufacturing powerhouse, certain states and cities are particularly geared toward certain industries. Understanding the most strategic manufacturing locations in Mexico can help companies make smarter decisions that set them up for lasting success.

With the right production services and manufacturing compliance partner, choosing the right location becomes a streamlined, strategic step in your market entry. Here, we highlight some of Mexico’s most dynamic manufacturing hubs and the sectors they’re best known for—along with insights into how NAPS’ services can support your business.

Baja California (Tijuana, Mexicali, Tecate)

Key Industries: Medical devices, electronics, aerospace, automotive

Located directly across the border from California, Baja California is a high-demand region for foreign manufacturers. Tijuana is one of the world’s top cities for medical device manufacturing, while Rosarito, Mexicali, and Tecate have become vital hubs for aerospace and precision electronics. Proximity to the U.S. means short transit times and reduced logistics costs. NAPS can help your business streamline cross-border operations, including customs compliance, HR support, and facility administration—critical for companies operating in fast-paced sectors like electronics or healthcare tech.

Nuevo León (Monterrey)

Key Industries: Automotive, appliances, steel, home goods, logistics

Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo León, is an economic powerhouse known for its industrial parks and advanced infrastructure. Its proximity to Texas and extensive transportation networks make it a strategic location for companies that rely on just-in-time delivery or U.S. distribution. NAPS offers deep expertise in tax, accounting, and labor compliance to help manufacturers scale quickly while staying ahead of regulatory requirements.

Guanajuato (Silao, León, Celaya)

Key Industries: Automotive, leather goods, footwear, food processing

As part of Mexico’s Bajío region, Guanajuato—which includes Silao, Salamanca, Irapuato, Celaya, and León—is one of the country’s fastest-growing manufacturing corridors. With major global automakers and a thriving leather industry, the region blends traditional craftsmanship with advanced manufacturing. For industries that are both regulated and labor-intensive, NAPS supports everything from environmental compliance to workforce planning and training.

Querétaro

Key Industries: Aerospace, appliances, plastics, IT and data services

Querétaro is widely known as Mexico’s aerospace capital, home to multinational suppliers and advanced research centers. But it’s also a growing hub for appliances and high-tech industries, with a skilled workforce and business-friendly environment. With highly specialized operations, a number of manufacturers in Querétaro benefit from NAPS’ support in navigating permitting, certifications, and talent acquisition for technical roles.

Jalisco (Guadalajara)

Key Industries: Electronics, software, medical equipment, automotive

Guadalajara has earned the nickname “Mexico’s Silicon Valley” due to its strong focus on electronics and tech innovation. The region offers robust infrastructure, technical universities, and a culture of innovation. NAPS provides integrated support for companies needing rapid scalability, bilingual talent, and tight IP controls—especially important in tech-forward sectors.

Coahuila (Saltillo, Torreón)

Key Industries: Automotive, metal mechanics, appliances, agriculture equipment

Coahuila’s skilled labor force and industrial parks make it a top choice for heavy manufacturing and automotive production. The capital, Saltillo, is often compared to Detroit for its vehicle assembly footprint. In complex operations that depend on efficiency and compliance, NAPS helps manage local labor relations, customs procedures, and safety standards.

Chihuahua (Chihuahua City, Ciudad Juárez)

Key Industries: Electronics, automotive, consumer goods, plastics

Located along the U.S. border, Chihuahua is a longstanding manufacturing base with modern infrastructure and experienced labor pools. Ciudad Juárez remains a key entry point for foreign manufacturers due to its logistics advantages. NAPS provides full administrative support to manufacturers managing high-volume production and exports, helping reduce border delays and stay in compliance.

Other Strategic Manufacturing Destinations

While the manufacturing locations in Mexico highlighted above are some of the most prominent, Mexico is home to many other cities and states with specialized manufacturing capabilities. Puebla is known for textiles and automotive assembly, Yucatán is attracting increasing interest in food processing and light manufacturing, and Veracruz has untapped potential in logistics, petrochemicals, and packaging. Regions like San Luis Potosí and Aguascalientes also boast advanced infrastructure and strategic rail connections that appeal to a broad range of foreign manufacturers.

As more companies explore nearshoring and expansion into Mexico, these “secondary” markets are rapidly becoming primary choices—especially when supported by experienced manufacturing, production services and shelter services providers like NAPS who can guide site selection, setup, and compliance from day one.

Conclusion

Choosing the right manufacturing location in Mexico is about more than cost—it’s about alignment with your industry needs, supply chain goals, workforce access, and long-term growth strategy. Each region offers unique advantages, and with the right shelter services partner, companies can tap into those benefits while minimizing risk and administrative burden.

At NAPS, our deep regional expertise and end-to-end support services ensure that foreign manufacturers are not only set up for success—but equipped to scale efficiently. Whether you’re entering Mexico for the first time or expanding into new territory, we help you make the most of Mexico’s diverse manufacturing landscape.

To learn more about how NAPS supports foreign manufacturers across every major industrial region in Mexico, contact our team of experts today.