Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Hotels: U.S. luxury resort developer AM Resorts plans investment of approximately US$500 million in Mexico over the next three years, the company reported.  Locations for new developments under the company’s brands, which include Secrets, Dreams, Now and Sunscape, include Los Cabos and the Riviera Maya beaches of Akumal and Playa Mujeres. (Reforma, April 1, 2013)
• Airports: Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) will invest US$40 million to upgrade its international airport in the western city of Guadalajara.  Projects include expansion of capacity to receive international flights and two new departure gates, the company reported. (Reforma, April 1, 2013)
• Beverage: Mexican beverage bottler Arca Continental, the world’s third largest bottler of Coca Cola, plans investment of approximately US$340 million this year.  Resources will be dedicated to maintenance and upgrades of bottling plants, and may include acquisitions abroad in the beverage and snack sector, the company reported. (Mexican Business Web, April 19, 2013)
• Aviation: Mexican airlines plan investment of approximately US$20 billion to purchase up to 250 new aircraft, the National Air Transport Chamber (Canaero) reported.  Aeromexico plans purchases from Boeing, Interjet projects buys from Airbus and Sukhoi, and airlines Volaris, VivaAerobus and others also plan acquisitions, Canaero reported. (El Financiero, April 1, 2013)
• Electrical: French electrical engineering multinational Schneider Electric will invest US$80 million in Mexico this year, the company reported.  Projects include completion of a research center in Monterrey as well as work on plants and clean energy projects for state-owned oil monopoly Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex). (Reforma, April 8, 2013)
• Banking: British bank HSBC announced it will invest approximately US$210 million through 2014 to renovate retail branches and add personnel in Mexico.  The bank, which operates 1,040 branches in Mexico, is upgrading infrastructure to permit a wider array of service payments via automated banking machines. (Reforma, April 9, 2013)
• Biotechnology: U.S.-based Scantibodies Laboratory initiated construction on the company’s second laboratory in Mexico.  The US$16 million facility is planned to produce antibody products and will include a cancer treatment center. (Siglo21, April 15, 2013)
• Hotels: At least 10 new tourism developments planned for the Riviera Nayarit on Mexico’s central Pacific coast will add to the thriving development in the region, the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau reported.  Projects include a US$120 million boutique hotel with residential villas at Punta Mita. (Mexican Business Web, April 18, 2013)
• Industry: French industrial gas producer Air Liquide plans up to US$100 million worth of investment to expand Mexico operations in 2013, the company reported. Air Liquide recently inaugurated a new air separation plant in the northern state of Coahuila. (Reforma, April 15, 2013)
• Logistics: German courier company DHL Express inaugurated a new operations center in Mexico City built at a cost of US$7.3 million.  The center is part of a larger ongoing US$160 million investment to upgrade and modernize the company’s infrastructure and equipment in Mexico, DHL reported. (El Fnanciero, April 25, 2013)
• Chemicals: Mexican industrial group Cydsa began construction this month on a new US$100 million production facility in the northeastern state of Nuevo León.  The plant is planned to make use of cutting edge technology for the production of bleach and caustic soda. (El Financiero, April 29, 2013)
• Real estate: The border state of Baja California inaugurated a major new convention center near the border city of Tijuana, following investment of over US$50 million to complete the project.  The Baja Center can accommodate 12,000 visitors and will host the National Tourism and Meetings Congress this summer. (El Financiero, April 29, 2013)
• Glass: Mexican industrial glassmaker Vitro announced investment plans totalling approximately US$97 million for this year, a 65% increase over last year, the company reported.  Resources will focus on upgrades to equipment and infrastructure in Vitro’s packaging and automotive glass operations. (Reforma, April 30, 2013)

Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Beverage: Mexican beverage producer Organización Cultiba, exclusive bottler for PepsiCo in Mexico, plans investment of approximately US$157 million in Mexico operations this year.  Resources will be channelled into bottling and distribution operations as well as sugar cane production, the company reported.  (Mexican Business Web, March 6, 2013)
• Telecommunications: Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson opened a new Global Service Center in the central state of Queretaro.  The US$13 million center is one of four such sites worldwide, and will provide planning, design, implementation and support services to customers in the Americas and Europe , according to the company’s announcement. (TMC News, Ericsson, February 27, 2013)
• Automotive: German auto parts manufacturer Hella will open a new production plant in the central state of Guanajuato this year, the company announced.  The US$100 million project is planned to produce headlamps and rear combination lamps for automotive OEMs in the region. (ProMexico, March 5, 2013)
• Financial services: Spanish-owned bank Bancomer will invest approximately US$3.5 billion over the next four years to expand and upgrade operations in Mexico, the company announced.  Plans include renovating all retail branches in in the country,  upgrading technology platforms for data processing and completing construction of two new operations centers and a corporate office complex in the Mexico City area. (CNN Expansión, March 21, 2013)
• Solar energy: Spanish solar energy developer Isofoton has signed an agreement with the government of the southeastern state of Yucatan to design and build a photovoltaic energy generation site in the state.  The US$360 million facility, planned to begin construction in 2014, is projected to produce 150MW once completed. (NAFTA Works, March 2013)
• Telecommunications: Mexican telecommunications services provider Alestra plans to build a new data center in the central state of Queretaro at a cost of approximately US$61 million.  The new center will provide telecommunications and information technology solutions to corporate clients throughout Mexico through state-of-the-art technology, the company reported. (February 27, 2013)
• Automotive: The state of Queretaro plans to establish a Public Automotive University to provide specialized training specifically to support the central Bajío region’s burgeoning automotive industry.  The project is estimated to require investment of approximately US$63 million.  (Mexican Business Web, March 6, 2013)
• Transport: Rail freight operator Kansas City Southern de Mexico plans investment of US$137 million during the current year, the company announced. Projects include building a rail connection to the Interpuerto Monterrey interior port, adding locomotives and related equipment, and installing new operations management systems. (Milenio, March 13, 2013)
• Retail: Mexican retailer Grupo Sanborns plans investment of approximately US$1.4 billion over the next five years to expand the presence of its sales locations nationwide.  The company operates the Sanborns and Sears department store chains as well as the Mixup music shops. (Mexican Business Web, March 22, 2013)
• Transport: Mexican freight transport and vehicle services provider TIP Mexico will invest US$55 million to support operations this year, the company reported.  Resources will support purchase of new trailers and additional vehicles as well as truck maintenance services. (Mexican Business Web, March 14, 2013)
• Entertainment: Recórcholis, a Mexican-owned operator of family entertainment centers, plans investment of approximately US$11 million this year to open new sites in the cities of Mazatlán, León, Culiacán and Mexico City.  The company operates game and food arcades inside shopping centers in various Mexican cities. (Reforma, March 14, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese auto parts manufacturer Mitsubishi Electric will open a new manufacturing plant in the central state of Queretaro via investment of approximately US$40 million, the company announced.  The facility is planned to produce alternators and starter motors for the region’s automotive industry. (El Diario, march 19, 2013)
• Food processing: Mexican preserved foods processor Carey will invest US$10 million this year in operational upgrades, the company announced.  The producer of canned chiles, beans and sauces plans to acquire new machinery and equipment to expand their line to include products such as as mushrooms, fruit in syrup and jellies. (Reforma, March 19, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese auto parts manufacturer Nissin Manufacturing plans to begin construction next month on a new production plant in the northeastern state of San Luis Potosi.  The US$90 million site will produce motor and transmission parts for OEMs such as Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and kawasaki. (Reforma, March 20, 2013)
• Beverage: Mexican beverage bottler Pascual will establish a new production plant in the western state of Jalisco at an estimated cost of US$5 million, the company announced.  Pascual produces popular fruit flavord soft drinks under brands such as Boing, Lulu and Pato Pascual. (Mexican Business Web, March 21, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese-owned North American Lighting Mexico plans investment of US$55 million to establish a new production plant in the state of San Luis Potosi, the state government announced.  The facility is planned to produce lights for vehicle OEMs Honda, Nissan and Mazda. (Reforma, March 20, 2013)
• Retail: Mexican pharmacy operator Farmacias Guadalajara plans investment of approximately US$135 million this year to expand its retail presence.  Projects include construction of a regional distribution center in Monterrey and an aggressive pace of new branch openings around the country. (El Financiero, March 20, 2013)
• Automotive: U.S.-based alloy wheel manufacturer Superior Industries is currently seeking a site for a new production plant in Mexico, the company reported.  The planned US$125 million facility is expected to produce over two million aluminum wheels per year. (Rubber News, March 4, 2013)

Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Automotive: Japanese bearings maker NSK will invest approximately US$70 million to construct a new manufacturing plant in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, the company announced.  The new facility, to begin production in 2014, is planned to supply the regional automotive industry in the face of rising demand from the NAFTA zone auto market.  (Reforma, February 5, 2013)
• Animal feed: MaltaCleyton, subsidiary of French animal feed maker InVivo, opened a new pet food production plant in the southern state of Morelos.  The US$18 million facility, the company’s tenth in Mexico, will require corn, wheat, sorghum, vitamins, fat, chicken meal and meat, the company reported. (El Financiero, February 21, 2013)
• Biotechnology: Mexico’s CIMMYT Maize and Wheat Improvement Center inaugurated a US$25 million advanced bioscience research center in the central State of Mexico.  The foundations of magnates Bill Gates and Carlos Slim contributed to the project, which will conduct research in support of seed improvement. (CIMMYT, February 13, 2013)
• Transportation: The Mexican government plans to issue tenders this year for construction of two major new passenger rail lines at a total estimated cost of approximately US$3.2 billion, the Transport Ministry (SCT) announced.  The lines would run from Mexico City to the central industrial city of Queretaro and from the Yucatan state capital of Merida to the Riviera Maya region on the Caribbean coast. (El Financiero, January 29, 2013)
• Retail: Coffee shop chain Cielito Querido Cafe, owned by Mexican inter-city passenger bus operator ADO, will invest approximately US$8 million this year to expand operations.  Plans include the opening of 24 new sales locations in the Mexico City metropolitan area. (El Financiero, February 18, 2013)
• Solar power: Mexican solar panel maker Solartec is investing approximately US$63 million to bring equipment and technology from Belgium to Mexico to produce photovoltaic panels in the central state of Guanajuato.  Outlays will cover purchasing the assets of Belgian manufacturer Photovoltech and relocating them in Mexico to create a new firm to be called Solarcell. (Milenio, February 21, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese automotive component manufacturer Jatco, a subsidiary of Nissan, announced it will establish a new production plant in the western state of Aguascalientes.  The new facility, Jatco’s second in Mexico, is planned to produce transmissions for Nissan’s new vehicle plant under construction in the state.  (Just-Auto, February 7, 2013)
• Biogas: British renewable energy developer ENER-G signed an agreement with the city of Celaya, Guanajuato to build a biogas plant to produce electricity at the municipal landfill, the city government announced.  ENER-G has already opened a US$5.8 million landfill biogas plant in the city of Aguascalientes and is currently developing another such faclity in the northern city of Durango, according to the company’s own media releases. (El Financiero, February 11, 2013; ENER-G, January 28, 2013)
• Aerospace: France-based helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter formally inaugurated its new production plant in the central state of Queretaro.  The US$100 million facility will join the state’s booming aerospace cluster, producing tail booms and cargo and emergency exit doors, the company reported. (Flightglobal, February 14, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese auto parts manufacturer Nishikawa Cooper inaugurated a new production plant in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$35 million site will produce rubber seals for Mazda, Honda and Nissan. (El Financiero, January 30, 2013)
• Ports: The Port of Guaymas on the Gulf of California coast of the northwestern state of Sonora will launch major expansion this year to accommodate rapidly increasing demand for cargo handling.  An initial stage including dredging, signage, landfill, roads and utility infrastructure is slated to begin in April at a cost of over US$200 million. (Mexican Business Web, February 8, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese auto parts manufacturer Tachi-S began construction on a new production plant in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$30 million facility will produce car seats principally for the Honda vehicle plant in nearby Celaya. (El Financiero, February 11, 2013)
• Steel: South Korean steel processor POSCO initiated construction of a new plant in the central state of Guanajuato, the company reported.  The US$25.4 million facility is planned to provide steel processing and related services to the region’s automotive and appliance manufacturing industries. (El Financiero, February 5, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese hydraulic pump maker Kayaba Industry Co. (KYB) announced it will build a new manufacturing plant in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato via investment of approximately US$54 million.  The plant is planned to supply pumps to the Nissan-owned Jatco trransmission plant in nearby Aguascalientes state.  (Kayaba Industry Co., February 7, 2013)
• Aerospace: U.S. corporate group General Electric (GE) plans investment of US$20 million this year to expand operations at its Advanced Engineering Center (GEIQ) in the central state of Queretaro.  The center includes a software validation laboratory and carries out test analysis. (El Financiero, February 14, 2013)
• Steel: Transnational steel giant Ternium began initial production testing at its major new complex in the northeastern state of Nuevo León.  The US$1.1 billion facility will produce advanced cold rolled steel sheet and galvanized steel to supply Mexico’s booming automotive industry. (Reforma, February 19, 2013)
• Energy: Sempra Mexico, subsidiary of U.S. energy multinational SempraEnergy, plans investment of US$1.5 billion in Mexico over the next three years, the company revealed.  Upcoming projecs include various gas and ethane pipelines, a gas storage plant and a wind power park on the U.S. border planned to export electricity to California. (El Financiero, February 19, 2013)
• Automotive: Japanese auto parts maker NSK announced it will establish a new plant to manufacture automotive bearings in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$70 million facility is planned to open in 2014 to meet growing demand from the region’s surging auto industry. (American Machinest, January 17, 2013)
• Beverage: The Coca-Cola Company will invest US$1 billion in Mexico this year, in areas such as infrastructure, technology and refrigeration systems, the company announced.  Coca-Cola’s Mexico operations include 68 bottling plants and 356 distribution centers. (El Financiero, February 20, 2013)

Lookin' good

As we have crabbed before in this space, for the longest time it seemed like all you ever saw in the press about Mexico was nasty news about drug trafficking violence.  But at some point in 2012, it was like a new memo went out (and maybe one did), and all of a sudden stories started popping up about Mexico’s economic progress, bright future, and flashy manufacturing industries.  It’s not like our problems have gone away – they certainly have not – but it is nice to see something more positive in the media for once.  After a while we started collecting these stories to enjoy time and time again, so we thought we’d share them so that you can enjoy them as much as we have.

Go on, have a look.  Let’s savor our spell in the golden light of favor while it lasts:

MoneyWeek: Why you should be excited about Mexico

New York Times: Mexico: The New China

Forbes: For American Exporters, Mexico Is The China Next Door

City A.M.: Mexico and Indonesia to eclipse UK’s GDP by 2050

What Investment: Mexico tipped over Brazil for 2013

World Politics Review: At Long Last, Mexico’s Bright Future

Reuters: Credit Suisse bankers see iconic IPOs in Mexico next year

The Economist: From darkness, dawn

Nearshore Americas: Presidential Election is a Win for Mexico

Fox News (!): Study Ranks Mexico as World’s Fourth Best Investment Destination

Foreign Policy Blogs: Mexico’s Growing Middle Class

Wall Street Journal: The Next Emerging Tech Powerhouse: Latin America

Financial Times: Made in Mexico gains ground on China

Reuters: Mexico could pass Brazil as top LatAm economy in 10 years

MoneyMorning: Why Mexico’s Economy Could Be One of the Most Attractive Emerging Markets

Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Wind power: Japanese investment group Mitsui & Co. announced plans to take a 50% ownership stake in the Mexican wind power generation facility Bii Stinu, currently under construction by a subsidiary of French energy developer EDF Energies Nouvelles.  Mitsui specified the total cost of the project at approximately US$400 million.  (Mitsui & Co., January 9, 2013)
• Construction: Mexican industrial real estate developer Vesta plans to invest approximately US$90 million to construct industrial buildings for Nissan at the Japanese auto maker’s new production site in the western state of Aguascalientes, the company reported.  (Mexican Business Web, January 14, 2013)
• Retail: Mexican grocery and general merchandise retailer Grupo Chedraui plans investment of approximately US$185 million in Mexico operations this year, the company revealed.  Projects include the opening of 20 new stores in the country. (Mexican Business Web, January 14, 2013)
• Health care: Mexican private hospital operator Grupo Star Médica opened a new hospital in the central state of Queretaro, built at a cost of approximately US$47 million.  The facility includes state-of-the-art technology in areas such as medical imaging and obstetrics and gynecology, among others.  Star Médica currently has three other new hospitals under construction. (El Financiero, January 14, 2013)
• Automotive: German auto maker Volkswagen inaugurated a new production plant in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato following investment of US$500 million.  The plant becomes the company’s 100^th factory worldwide and is projected to produce 330,000 motors annually. (El Economista, January 16, 2013)
• Retail: Mexican grocery and general merchandise retailer Soriana plans investment of approximately US$315 million in expansion and upgrades this year, the company announced.  Projects include the opening of 60 new stores, remodeling and expansion of existing stores, property acquisition and logistics upgrades. (Reforma, January 16, 2013)
• Food processing: Swiss processed foods giant Nestlé will invest approximately US$9 million in research and development in Mexico this year, the company reported.  Nestlé executives also noted the company’s clean energy efforts, ultilizing biodigestors and wind energy to power some of its Mexico operations. (Reforma, January 17, 2013)
• Industrial parks: Mexican industrial real estate developer Finsa plans to invest approximately US$137 million in new industrial parks this year.  Projects include infrastructure development in support of the automotive and aerospace industries in the central and northern zones of the country. (Reforma, January 17, 2013)
• Retail: U.S.-based coffee shop chain Starbucks, operated in Mexico by Alsea, plans to open 45 new stores in Mexico this year via investment of US$40 million.  Alsea also operates franchises including Domino’s Pizza, Burger King, Chili’s, California Pizza Kitchen and P.F. Chang’s in the country. (Reforma, January 18, 2013)
• Steel: Mexican corporate group Industrias Lenox began construction of a new steel producing plant in the northeastern state of Nuevo León, the company announced.  The US$200 million facility is planned to respond to increasing demand from Mexico’s booming automotive industry. (El Financiero, January 20, 2013)
• Telecommunications: Mexican telecom service provider Alestra plans investment of approximately US$132 million across its operations in the country, the company announced.  Resources will be put toward infrastructure expansion and upgrades by the operator of services such as telephony, data processing and integrated IT solutions for business. (Reforma, January 22, 2013)
• Chemicals: Swiss specialty chemicals producer Clariant opened a new production plant in the eastern state of Veracruz, the company reported.  The US$20 million facility is planned to produce chemical components for use in the manufacure of consumer goods such as skin creams, shampoos and home cleaning products. (Reforma, January 24, 2013
• Retail: Mexican commercial real estate developer Grupo Inmobiliario Monterrey (GIM) will begin construction this year on a major new shopping center in the northeastern city of Monterrey.  The complex is planned to include leading retailers such as H&M, Crate & Barrel, Emporio Armani and Forever 21, as well as restaurants The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chnag’s, the company reported. (Reforma, January 28, 2013)
• Hotels: Mexican hotel operator Hoteles City plans to open 15 new hotels this year in Mexico and Central America, the company announced.  The new sites are slated for cities including Mexico City, Cabo San Lucas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Toluca and others. (Mexican Business Web, January 29, 2013)
• Agriculture: A group of citrus producers will invest approximately US$16 million to build a large scale juice processing plant in the northeastern state of Nuevo León, the state government reported.  The facility is planned to process 800 tons of oranges daily for juice production for export to the United States. (Reforma, January 30, 2013)
• Food processing: A private investment group is investing approximately US$8 million in Mexican food processor Procesa, based in the southern state of Chiapas.  Resources will be channeled to support the company’s operations for packing tuna in bags rather than cans.  (Reforma, January 30, 2013)

Resistance is futile

Mexico’s state-owned oil and gas monopoly Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) announced recently that it’s board of directors finally approved a proposed joint venture with Mexican chemicals and plastics giant Mexichem to produce vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a key component for the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride plastic, commonly known as PVC.

The long-suffering proposal first required approval by Mexico’s Federal Competition Commission (CFC), which it obtained over a year ago, and then was stalled for months as the national oil workers union picked over the details undecided.  Mexichem began making noises about bagging the project late last year, apparently prodding the union to get off the schneid and clear the way for approval by the board.  The actual venture is reportedly planned as a collaboration between Mexichem and Pemex petrochemical subsidiary Pemex Petroquímica.  Under the terms of the deal reported in local media, Pemex will contribute US$235 million worth of production infrastructure at its Pajaritos, Veracruz petrochemical complex, and Mexichem will provide approximately US$320 million worth of cash and assets to bring the new plant into operation.  The new company is planned to be formally constituted this year.

The joint venture with Pemex is another important step forward for Mexichem, not only in its aggressive corporate expansion in recent years, but in consolidating its dominant position in Mexico’s PVC market.  Over the past 10 years, the story of PVC and PVC-based products in Mexico has been largely rewritten by Mexichem.  The Mexico City-based firm is one of the country’s true multinationals, operating plants in 19 countries, exporting to over 50 countries and racking up over US$3 billion in sales annually.  Throughout the early 2000s the company ranked among Mexico´s leading producers of PVC resin.  Mexichem alarmed competitors and competition authorities, however, when in 2008 it moved aggressively to dominate the production of not only PVC but of PVC pipe and accessories through buyouts of key companies in the production chain.  Despite twice being rebuffed by the CFC, Mexichem prevailed and in 2010 achieved an effective monopoly on PVC production in Mexico in addition to becoming by far the largest producer of PVC pipe, through its subsidiaries Plásticos Rex and Amanco.  Approval of the takeovers was linked to the removal in late 2009 of compensatory duties on PVC resin from the United States, which had been in place since the 1990s to protect Mexican industry from alleged dumping.  The CFC reasoned that access to foreign suppliers of PVC at competitive prices would prevent Mexichem from abusing its monopoly position in domestic production.  In fact, imports into Mexico of PVC resin more than tripled in the two years following elimination of the import duty in 2009, although much of this was imported by Mexichem itself.  The new venture with Pemex Petroquímica will not only reinforce Mexichem’s verticality in PVC and pipe but, according to the company’s own announcement, enable it to “reduce its dependence on the supply of raw material from foreign competitors.”

Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Healthcare: Mexican hospital operator Grupo Médica Sur will build a major new medical complex in Mexico City, the company announced.  The project is planned to include a hospital, research center, university, hotel, offices, apartments and retail space.  US$70 million in investment is estimated for the first phase of construction.  (Reforma, November 29, 2012)
• Franchising: U.S. restaurant chain Chili’s Grill & Bar plans investment of US$12 million in Mexico operations next year.  The company plans to open 12 new locations through its Mexican franchise operators. (El Financiero, November 29, 2012)
• Aerospace: Italian aeronautical welding specialists OVS Villella revealed plans to establish a production plant in Mexico by 2014.  The company will partner with Mexican metal process supplier EZI Metales on the US$14 million investment. (El Financiero, November 29, 2012)
• Pharmaceutical: Swiss pharmaceutical manufacturer Novartis plans investment totaling US$10 million in Mexico in 2013, the company reported.  Resources will support research and development principally in immunology, oncology and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (Milenio, December 6, 2012)
• Automotive: Japanese automotive components manufacturer GSW manufacturing initiated construction on a new production plant in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$2.15 million facility is planned to produce wiring harnesses for vehicles beginning in 2013. (El Financiero, November 29, 2012)
• Retail: U.S. hardware and DIY retailer The Home Depot plans aggressive expansion in Mexico with the opening of 25 new stores over the next three years.  Plans include over US$400 million in investment and establishment of the chain’s Express retail format in the country. (Reforma, December 11, 2012)
• Automotive: Japanese steel products manufacturer Hanwa Steel initiated construction on a new production plant in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$40 million facility is planned to produce steel sheets for automotive parts to supply the area’s growing auto parts industry. (Government of Guanajuato, December 3, 2012)
• Green tech: Mexican commercial real estate developer Grupo Inmobiliario Gigante inaugurated a new shopping and entertainment complex in Guadalajara metropolitan area.  The US$23 million development prominently features environmentally friendly technologies such as solar panels, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting and water saving infrastructure. (Mexican Business Web, December 10, 2012)
• Electronics: U.S. semiconductor manufacturer Skyworks will invest US$184 million to expand its operations in the northwestern state of Baja California.  Skyworks has been manufacturing integrated circuits in Mexicali for over 40 years, according to the company. (El Financiero, December 6, 2012)
• Consumer products: French cosmetics manufacturer L’Oreal inaugurated its second production plant in Mexico in the central state of San Luís Potosí.  The US$100 million facility is planned to produce hair coloring products for the U.S., Mexican and Central American markets. (Reforma, December 12, 2012)
• Composites: U.S. glass fiber producer Owens Corning invested US$80 million to install a new furnace at its glass reinforcement plant in the central state of Tlaxcala.  The new equipment will double the plant’s composites capacity. (NAFTA Works, December 2012)
• Construction: Mexican real estate developer ICA Desarrollo Inmobiliario plans three residential projects for 2013 requiring investment of approximately US$330 million.  The upscale vertical properties will be located in the greater Mexico City metropolitan area. (Reforma, December 18, 2012)
• Automotive: U.S. auto maker Ford will invest 59.1 million to expand operations at its production plant in the northern state of Chihuahua, the company announced. Resurces will support engine production and block machining operations at the site. (El Financiero, December 18, 2012)
• Retail: Mexican grocery and general merchandise retailer Grupo Chedraui plans investments of approximately US$250 million in 2013, the company announced.  Planned projects include the opening of 20 new stores across the chain’s formats. (El Financiero, December 27, 2012)

Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Pharmaceutical: Mexican pharmaceutical group Neolpharma inaugurated a new production plant in Mexico City, the company reported.  The US$20 million facility will produce oral and intravenous solutions as well as providing bottling services to other pharmaceutical manufacturers in the area. (Reforma, October 30, 2012)
• Wind energy: Mexican multinational baking giant Grupo Bimbo inaugurated a new wind power generation plant in the southern state of Oaxaca.  The US$200 million facility boasts installed capacity of 90 Mw and was built by the Mexican subsidiary of Spain’s Renovalia Energy. (CNN Expansión, October 31, 2012)
• Real estate: The Riviera Nayarit region of Mexico’s Pacific coast has approximately US$160 million worth of new hotel development either underway or projected, the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Office reported.  Projects include new hotels for chains such as Iberostar, Occidental Grand and Palladium in locations such as Nuevo Vallarta, Bahía Banderas and Litubú. (Mexican Business Web, November 5, 2012)
• Solar energy: Mexican airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA) inaugurated a solar power generating park on the site of its international airport in the northern city of Zacatecas.  The US$1 million installation is projected to supply the airport with 370,000 Kw/h per year, according to OMA. (Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte, November 1, 2012)
• Automotive: U.S. auto components manufacturer Johnson Controls will establish a new manufacturing operation in the central state of Queretaro via investment of US$15 million, the state government announced.  (Mexican Business Web, November 7, 2012)
• Manufacturing: U.S. heavy equipment manufacturer Caterpillar plans investment of up to US$500 million in the northeastern state of Nuevo León, the company announced.  An initial US$165 million is earmarked for building and equipping a new plant to produce gear units and components for trucks, excavators and bulldozers for the mining and construction industries. (Reforma, November 9, 2012)
• Ports: Construction is underway on a new container handling facility at the Port of Lázaro Cárdenas in the western state of Michoacán.  The US$900 million greenfield project, developed by APM Terminals, a subsidiary of Danish shipping group Maersk, will include a container yard, extensive quay with two berths, office and warehouse space, gates and rail facilities. (El Economista, November 9, 2012)
• Aviation: Mexican low-cost airline Interjet will order 40 new jets from Airbus via investment in excess of US$3 billion, according to media reports.  The purchase is anticipated to focus on Airbus’ A320 Neo single aisle aircraft. (Morningstar Advisor, November 13, 2012)
• Coatings: U.S. paint and coatings manufacturer Sherwin-Williams announced it reached an agreement to acquire Mexican coatings leader Comex.  The deal to buy Comex, which operates 16 manufacturing plants throughout North America, is estimated at approximately US$2.34 billion. (Wall Street Journal, November 12, 2012)
• Retail: Soriana, Mexico’s second largest grocery and general merchandise retailer, plans investment of approximately US$320 million for 2013, the company revealed.  The 25% increase in investment over 2012 is projected to include the opening of 60 new stores. (Mexican Business Web, November 22, 2012)
• Wind energy: Italian renewable energy developer Enel Green Power will build a wind power generation plant in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the company announced.  The US$130 million facility is projected to produce over 350 GW per year. (CNNexpansión, November 22, 2012)
• Retail: Mexican retailing group Controladora Comercial Mexicana announced plans to invest approximately US$270 million in expansion next year.  Resources will be put toward remodeling existing stores and opening new retail locations under the group’s larger grocery and general merchandise formats such as City Market, Fresko and Mega. (El Financiero, November 26, 2012)

Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Real estate: Mexican commercial real estate developer Grupo Gigante is preparing investment in new developments in excess of US$800 million, the company reported.  The new developments include two shopping malls in Guadalajara and two housing developments in Mexico City, among others. (Reforma, October 2, 2012)
• Automotive: Mexican auto parts manufacturer Nemak revealed investment of approximately US$230 million this year in new plants, expansions and other infrastructure.  The company reported that strong demand from Audi and Ford is driving growth in its operations in Mexico and China. (Reforma, October 2, 2012)
• Retail: U.S. grocery and general merchandise retailer H.E.B. reported it plans to invest approximately US$60 million to open 4-5 new stores in northeastern Mexico next year.  Resources will also be channeled into remodeling existing retail locations. (Reforma, October 4, 2012)
• Electronics: U.S. electronics manufacturer Plantronics plans investment of up to US$50 million to consolidate its operations in the northern city of Tijuana.  The manufacturer of communications headsets plans to move design and production activities into a new, solar-powered corporate center in the border city. (El Financiero, October 10, 2012)
• Mining: Operations got underway at the first manganese mine in the northern state of Zacatecas, following a joint investment by Mexican and Chinese investors.  Capital to initiate exploitation of the manganese deposits was provided by Chinese investors identified as China Yunnan Metal Company.  Production is intended for export to China. (El Financiero, October 9, 2012)
• Solar energy: Swiss power and automation technology giant ABB opened a solar power generation park in the central state of San Luís Potosí.  The plant is planned to have a generation capacity of 1.2 MW and required investment estimated at approximately US3.6 million. (Greentech Lead, October 5, 2012)
• Construction:  Mexico inaugurated its first federal prison built under a co-investment scheme utilizing capital from both the government and the private sector.  The US$328 million facility features advanced technology for security systems.  Seven more new prisons are planned under the public-private investment scheme. (El Financiero, October 3, 2012)
• Cement: Mexican industrial group Elementia announced it will launch a new cement company to compete in the central Mexican construction market.  The company is currently building a new US$300 million cement production plant in the central state of Hidalgo targeted to begin operations within the next few months. (World Cement, October 17, 2012)
• Commercial real estate: Investment in luxury real estate developments planned for Mexico’s Riviera Maya area in 2012 and 2013 total approximately US$1.5 billion, according to the Mexican Real Estate Professionals Association (AMPI).  Projects include beachfront residential developments in locations such as Cancun, Tulum and Puerto Morelos. (Reforma, October 22, 2012)
• Automotive: Japanese automaker Mazda announced the arrival of three of its Japanese suppliers to the manufacturing compound the company is building in Mexico.  Chassis maker Y-Tec Keylex, dashboard producer Daikyo Nishikawa and seat manufacturer Aki Seat Manufacturing will invest a combined US$140 million to install their own facilities near the new Mazda plant. (El Financiero, October 22, 2012)
• Biotechnology: U.S. GMO seed giant Monsanto will invest approximately US$23 million to expand its production facilities in the western state of Sinaloa.  Plans include increasing corn production and upgrading technology of existing operations. (Mexican Business Web, October 24, 2012)
• Steel: Brazilian steelmaker Gerdau, in a joint venture with its associated Mexican steel producer Aceros Corsa, will invest US$600 million to build a new production plant in the central state of Hidalgo.  The facility is planned to manufacture structure steel frames for the Mexican market. (Reforma, October 25, 2012)
• Commercial real estate: U.S.-based hotelier Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of a new luxury hotel in Mexico City’s Reforma business district.  Starwood will operate the suites-only property for owners Trinity Investments and Terra Investments. (Reforma, October 25, 2012)
• Chemicals: Mexican chemical giant Mexichem will invest approximately US$110 million to expand and modernize its production plant in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas.  Emphasis will be placed on enhancing the environmental friendliness of the plant, which produces materials used in the manufacture of plastic film, bottles, hoses, tubing, toys and other products, the company reported. (El Financiero, October 29, 2012)

Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Wind energy: Mexican hydroelectric developer Comexhidro and U.S. investment firm Conduit Capital Partners will team up to develop a 22 Mw wind generation facility in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León.  The plant is planned to use eight General Electric turbines and provide electricity for public lighting in the municipality of Santa Catarina. (El Financiero, July 27, 2012)
• Automotive: Korean auto maker Hyundai Motors began construction on a new manufacturing plant in the northern city of Tijuana, on the Mexican border with California.  The US$131 million facility is planned to produce die cast aluminum parts such as engine blocks, heads and transmission cases. (El Economista, August 28, 2012)
• Research & Development: U.S. corporate group 3M inaugurated a new Innovation Center in Mexico City’s Santa Fe business district.  The center, part of planned 3M investments totaling US$184 million over the next five years, will carry out research and product development in areas such as nanotechnology, specialized materials, biotechnology and electromechanics, the company reported.  (Reforma, August 28, 2012)
• Chemicals: U.S. mixer of custom rubber compounds Preferred Compounding has entered the Mexican market via the acquisition of a 66,000 square foot production facility in the central state of San Luís Potosi, the company announced.  The fully functioning facility will provide custom compounds to customers in industries such as automotive, construction, power generation and roll goods. (Preferred Compounding, July 2012)
• Automotive: U.S. auto maker General Motors announced it will invest US$120 million in its manufacturing plant in the central state of San Luís Potosí to produce its new Chevrolet Trax SUV crossover model, to be unveiled later this year at the Paris Motor Show.  Another US$200 million will be channeled into the GM plant in Guanajuato state to develop and produce a new generation of pickups in 2013, the company revealed. (Reuters, July 19, 2012)
• Logistics: Japanese auto parts logistics specialists began construction on a new logistics center in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$10 million site is planned to provide transport services to the region’s rapidly growing automotive manufacturing industry. (El Sol del Bajío, August 9, 2012)
• Automotive: Japanese auto parts manufacturer Honda Lock initiated construction on a new production plant in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$28 million plant will make products such as automotive door locks, rear view mirrors, door handles and wheel sensors, the company reported. (El Financiero, August 27, 2012)
• Mining: Mexican mining group Industrias Peñoles inaugurated a new Central Laboratory in the northern state of Coahuila, the company reported.  The US$14 million facility will provide state-of-the-art analysis of raw materials and finished product from the company’s 20 operating units. (El Universal, August 16, 2012)
• Aviation: U.S. air carrier Delta acquired a US$65 million stake in Aeromexico, Mexico’s largest airline.  The transaction creates a service alliance covering 93 destinations, and the two carriers are developing plans to open a maintenance and overhaul facility in Mexico next year. (NAFTA Works, July-August 2012)
• Tourism: Spanish hotel operator Iberostar will build a 450-room luxury beachfront hotel on the Pacific coast in the state of Nayarit, Mexico’s Tourism Ministry announced.  The US$100 million project is planned to emphasize sustainability and environmental harmony.  (NAFTA Works, July-August 2012)
• Manufacturing: Japanese component manufacturer Yamada launched operations at a new factory in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$15 million Yamada-Vistamex plant will produce parts for shavers for client Proctor & Gamble. (El Financiero, August 9, 2012)
• Food processing: U.S. confectioner Hershey’s announced US$50 million worth of new investment to expand production at its plant in the northeastern city of Monterrey.  Resources are earmarked for the installation of two new production lines for the manufacture of new products. (El Financiero, August 10, 2012)
• Automotive: U.S. auto parts manufacturer Delphi inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in the northern state of Durango.  The US$23 million facility produces wire harnesses for auto maker General Motors.  (Wall Street Journal, August 15, 2012)
• Food processing: U.S. food flavorings producer McCormick will invest US$0.8 million to create an Innovation Center on the grounds of its existing production plant in the central State of Mexico.  The new center will work with processed food manufacturers to create custom flavorings for new products. (Reforma, August 31, 2012)