Some investment and other economic activity reported in local media over the past month:

  • Logistics:  Argentina-based logistics company Axis Logistica announced plans to build a new distribution center in Mexico in 2010, in anticipation of economic recovery.  The company entered the Mexican market in 2007 and has invested US$10 million since that time in construction and upgrades of its distribution infrastructure in the country.
  • Aviation: Private air transport for executives is a growth industry in Mexico, with positive growth projected for 2009.  The sector is led by Aerolineas Ejecutivas (ALE), which is projecting 12% growth for the year.  The company invested approximately US$35 million in a new terminal at Monterrey’s international airport this year.
  • Aerospace: Mexico’s aerospace industry continues to post impressive growth despite the worldwide economic slowdown.  The number of companies in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance and related support services in Mexico has grown from 61 to 194 over the past four years, with export sales projected at US$3.4 billion for 2009.
  • Automotive: Ford Motor Company inaugurated a new engine manufacturing plant in the northern city of Chihuahua, in the state of the same name.  Ford invested a reported US$838 million in the new plant, which will produce diesel motors for pickup trucks.
  • Laboratory: Coca-Cola de México launched operations at a new testing laboratory in Mexico City.  The US$8 million facility includes state-of-the-art technology and will be used to verify the safety of ingredients, materials and finished products.
  • Solar power: The State of Durango announced it is preparing to develop a major industrial park to produce solar power equipment and generate solar electricity.  The complex, to begin construction in 2010, is planned to house 20 solar technology companies.  Durango reportedly recently signed a cooperation agreement with a German solar power research institute.
  • Airports: Tourist resort developer Grupo Vidanta inaugurated a new international airport in the northwestern location of Puerto Peñasco.  Vidanta, which operates resorts in the area, invested US$40 million in the project, which was also supported by the Sonora state and federal governments.  In the future the developer seeks to construct a new highway linking Puerto Peñasco with the U.S. border.
  • Processed foods:  Swiss processed foods giant Nestle announced plans for major investment in Mexico manufacturing operations for 2010.  The program includes a US$15 million plant in the south eastern state of Chiapas to produce Coffee-Mate, and a US$100 million expansion of the company’s coffee processing plant at Toluca, near Mexico City.
  • Aerospace: Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier initiated construction of a new plant – the company’s third – at the Queretaro Aerospace Park in the central state of Queretaro.  Bombardier has plans to invest US$250 million in the plant to produce fuselages, wings and electrical harnesses for Learjets.
  • Retail: Grocery and general merchandize retailer Soriana announced 2010 investment plans to the tune of US$300 million for store upgrades and new store openings.  The company is looking to focus on growth once again following a period of reorganization in the wake of its buyout of 198 stores from former rival Gigante in 2007.  Soriana, with 470 stores, is Mexico’s second largest grocery chain after Wal-Mart.
  • Metal tubing: Multinational metal products giant Luvata inaugurated a new production plant in the north eastern state of Nuevo Leon.  The US$40 million facility will produce copper tubes, coils and coolers for heating, cooling, air conditioning and refrigeration applications.  The complex includes its own water treatment plant.
  • Automotive: Luxury automaker BMW announced plans to source US$2 billion worth of auto parts from Mexican manufacturers over the coming two years, in anticipation of a rebound in sales.  The increase in sourcing from Mexico is intended to hedge the cost of parts currently purchased in Euros.
  • Solar power: Japanese energy technology manufacturer Sanyo Electric Co. inaugurated a new production plant in the north eastern industrial city of Monterrey.  The US$15 million plant will assemble high-efficiency solar modules for the North American market.