• Retail: DIY retailer Home Depot announced investment of US$115 million in Mexico in the current year, principally for the opening of five new stores.  The leader in its segment in Mexico, Home Depot projects 85 retail locations in operation by the end of 2010.
• Environmental:  The North American Development Bank (NADBank) has ramped up its financing of environmental and other infrastructural projects in Mexico’s northern border zone over the past three years, local media report.  Projects in Mexico financed by the bank during this period include 32 water treatment plants, 50 drainage and potable water systems and 12 solid waste landfills.
• Telecommunications: Telecom service provider Nextel projects investing up to US$1.5 billion in the construction of new network infrastructure.  Nextel recently won a nationwide spectrum auction in Mexico in partnership with television broadcast giant Televisa.
• Aerospace: U.S.-based aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft is currently constructing a new production plant in the northern city of Chihuahua.  The US$108 million facility, set to produce aircraft assemblies and subassemblies, will become the company’s second manufacturing plant in Chihuahua, further bolstering Mexico’s robust aerospace sector.
• Automotive: General Motors de Mexico announced projected investment of US$500 million in the northern state of Coahuila to produce a new generation of eight-cylinder motors as well as a new vehicle platform.  Projects supported by the new investment are planned to begin this year with actual production set for 2011.
• Franchising: Fast-food chain Burger King announced 2010 investment of approximately US$15 million in order to open 20 new restaurants in Mexico.  The chain’s Mexico expansion also will include doubling the number of “dessert kiosks” from 18 to 36.
• Automotive:  Automaker Volkswagen announced new planned investments of up to US$1 billion over the next three years in its Mexico operations.  Projects under the program include modernization of the Puebla plant to produce the next generation Beetle and construction of a new plant to produce a new generation of motors for Mexico and U.S. auto production.
• Energy: Mitsui Power America, affiliate of Japanese multinational Mitsui, announced projected investment of up to US$2.5 billion in Mexico over the next five years.  The company recently acquired five electricity generating plants in the country and plans further expansion in the energy sector.
• Automotive: Nissan Mexicana plans to invest US$600 million to begin producing two additional auto models at the company’s Aguascalientes plant in 2011 and 2012.  Mexico was chosen over various Asian countries considered for the production of the new versions of Nissan’s March model.
• Food Processing: Mexican dairy processor Lechera Guadalajara opened the country’s second largest milk dehydrating plant, following investment of approximately US$10 million.  The company is also currently building an additional plant to produce cheese and candy.
• Energy: The western sate of Jalisco will get its first wind energy park by the end of 2011, currently in development by Eoliatec de Mexico.  The US$100 million facility is projected to have a total capacity of 60MW, which will be supplied to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).
• Real Estate: AMResorts announced plans to build two luxury hotels in Puerta Vallarta through investment of a projected US$150 million.  The project is hoped to help reactivate long sluggish hotel development in the area.
• Paper: Mexican paper and packaging materials manufacturer Bio-PAPPEL will invest approximately US$250 million over the next four years to build five new production plants.  Formerly known as Corporación Durango (Codusa), the firm plans to incorporate electricity generating plants into each of its new production facilities.
• Infrastructure: The Mexican government is projecting private sector investment in infrastructure development of up to US$34 billion between 2010 – 2012.  The largest share of the investment is expected to be in telecommunications, with roads, ports, water management and airports receiving significant capital as well.

• Water treatment:  Mexican sugar producer Grupo Azucarero México (GAM) revealed it will begin construction next month on a new waste water treatment plant.  GAM has invested US$35 million over the past four years in automation process technology, as well as a system for generating electricity through steam produced by burning cane bagasse.
• Logistics: Guanajuato’s Guanajuato Interior Port multimodal logistics center will enter a new phase of expansion in the coming months.  Approximately US$55 million in new investment will be carried out to expand existing infrastructure at the site, which includes Customs facilities, a free zone, ground and air cargo handling services, industrial yards and related operations.
• Automotive: German engine components maker Getrag Transmissions Manufacturing inaugurated a new production plant in the central city of Guanajuato.  The US$500 million facility will manufacture transmissions for the Ford Fiesta line being built at Ford’s Cuautitlan Izcalli plant outside Mexico City.
• Manufacturing: French digital media manufacturer Technicolor will begin making 3D Blu-ray discs for Warner Brothers at its Guadalajara plant this year.  The company is investing US$11.4 million in the plant to boost production capacity.
• Green building: Mexican developer Homex announced plans to develop four new housing complexes in north western Mexico based on the concept of Integrated Sustainable Urban Developments.  The first of these complexes will require investment of US$27 million and all will incorporate green building technologies.    
• Real estate development: Cancun’s new mega convention center Cancun Messe, currently under construction, plans to open to the public to host the Latin American Food Show in September.  The expo center, which seeks to become the largest in Latin America, will have cost a projected US$270 million once complete.
• Aerospace: Bell Helicopter inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in the northern city of Chihuahua this month.  The plant will produce parts for Bell’s model 429 helicopter.
• Water treatment: Leading tequila producer Herradura inaugurated a new US$6.5 million water treatment plant at its production facility in Amatitan, Jalisco.  Herradura also announced additional investment of US$5 million to expand production capacity at the plant.
• Electronics: IT and electronics giant IBM recently invested US$20 million in its manufacturing plant at El Salto, Jalisco, to support production of data storage equipment for export.  The company reiterated its commitment to maintain and expand its Mexico operations.
• Rail freight: Railrod operator Kansas City Southern de Mexico announced plans to invest US$80 million to develop a freight terminal in the western state of Michoacan.  The terminal is intended to serve freight coming through the port of Lazaro Cardenas on Michoacan’s Pacific coast.
• Entertainment: Cinema operator Cinemex will invest US$9 million to develop a luxury movie theater complex in a large upscale shopping center currently under construction in the south eastern state of Tabasco.  The site will include VIP and 3D facilities.
• Aerospace: Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier announced plans to add five new plants to its existing manufacturing infrastructure in Mexico, via investment of US$300 million.  A stalwart of Mexico’s thriving aerospace industry, Bombardier advised it is considering investing a further US$100 million to increase its rail equipment manufacturing capacity in Mexico.

• Steel:  Mexico’s steel manufacturing industry chamber of commerce Canacero projected investments of US$10 billion over the next five years to significantly boost production in the sector.  Canacero estimates production will increase 13.5% this year over 2009, when output dropped significantly.
• Airports: The Mexican Ministry of Transport (SCT) announced plans for three new airports to be constructed in 2010, with investment of US$36 million.  The local airport developments are planned for La Pesca in the northeast and the tourist sites Creel in the north and Palenque in the south.
• Transport: Inter-city bus operator Grupo IAMSA reported it plans to add 300 new luxury buses to its fleet this year.  The US$100 million investment is slated to go primarily to Volvo for the new buses.
• Aerospace: French aerospace manufacturer Grupo Safran inaugurated two new plants in an aerospace park in the central state of Queretaro, site one of Mexico’s leading aerospace clusters.  The approximately US$150 million investment set up plants for Safran’s affiliates Messier-Dowty and Snecma to produce jet engine parts and undercarriages.
• Solar power: BP Solar, the solar technology subsidiary of Great Britain-based energy giant BP, announced plans to subcontract the assembly of solar modules with Jabil Circuit in Chihuahua, northern Mexico.  Plans call for producing modules with a combined capacity of 45 MW, with the possibility for expansion as demand dictates.
• Retail: Mexican low-priced department store chain Coppel announced aggressive expansion plans, including forays into the Brizilian and Argentinian markets.  The program includes investment of approximately US$120 million and the opening of 100 new stores, principally in southern Mexico.
• Automotive: Japanese automaker Nissan announced it will begin producing its new model of the Micra compact automobile at the company’s plant in Auguascalientes, Mexico.
• Food processing: Mexican processed dairy products maker Chilchota reported plans to return to the retail milk market, which it had exited in 2000.  Chilchota will invest US$10 million to launch milk presentations for supermarket sale, despite heavy competition from market leaders Lala, Nestle and Alpura.
• Real estate: Spanish real estate developer Grupo Lar announced plans to reactivate stalled projects and launch new developments in Mexico in 2010.  The company will invest some US$40 million, principally in residential developments.
• Rail transport: Mexican railroad operator Ferrocarril del Valle de México (Ferrovalle) announced plans to invest approximately US$12 million this year in infrastructure and equipment upgrades.  The company is projecting an increase in container freight in 2010.
• Retail: Leading Mexican retailer Soriana revealed plans to invest US$200 million to open 42 stores under its new “Soriana Express” format.  The new format targets middle and lower middle class consumers in locations with populations of under 50,000.
• Retail: Leading office supplies retailer Office Depot announced US$60 million in upcoming investment, including the opening of 10 new stores in Mexico.  The chain opened seven stores in Mexico in 2009 despite the extremely depressed economy.
• Water management: The Mexican government announced upcoming tenders for water management infrastructure projects worth an estimated US$2.6 billion.  The government is seeking foreign investment for the projects which include aqueducts, water treatment facilities and desalinization plants, among others.
• Aviation: Mexican domestic airline Interjet announced plans to invest US$50 million to expand its MRO facilities at its base at the Toluca airport.  Since launching passenger service in December 2005, Interjet has grown to become Mexico’s fourth largest airline.  Interjet provides aircraft maintenance services to airplane leasing companies.
• Medical: Centro Medico ABC, one of Mexico´s leading private hospitals, will construct a new Neurosciences and Orthopedics Center in the upscale Santa Fe zone of Mexico City.  The announced US$16 million in investment in the project will include design services and acquisition of advanced technology clinical equipment, among other outlays.
• Industrial gas: U.S. industrial gases producer Praxair announced planned investment in Mexico of US$150 million in 2010.  Projects include a new air separation plant in Monterrey and upgrades to plants in the states of Hidalgo, Queretaro and Tamaulipas.
• Aerospace: Mexican industrial group Grupo Kuo, best known for its Herdez brand of processed foods, has announced it will enter the aerospace manufacturing industry this year.  The group, which also manufactures chemicals and autoparts, is in the process of obtaining SAE AS 9100B certification and hopes to begin manufacturing landing gear components by the end of this year.
• Logistics: The Queretaro Intermodal Terminal is projecting investment of up to US$100 million this year for expansion of land area and infrastructure.  The planned upgrades include construction of a new terminal for handling refrigerated cargo.

Tijuana, the center of one of Mexico’s aerospace clusters, will host a forum in March to bring together aircraft manufacturers and suppliers of the parts and components they need.  The event will feature a conference series as well as one-on-one matchmaking meetings.  Full information and registration can be found here:

http://www.sedeti.tijuana.gob.mx/aerospace_2010.asp

• 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.

For information on the expo: www.aeroexpo.com.mx

Check out AeroStrategy’s report at their site: www.aerostrategy.com