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Recent and upcoming investment in Mexico

Mar 4

Posted by Tom in Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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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) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment in Mexico

Jan 31

Posted by Tom in Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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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 100th factory worldwide and is projected to produce 330,000 motors annually. (El Economista, January 16, 2013) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment in Mexico

Nov 2

Posted by Tom in Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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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) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment in Mexico

Oct 1

Posted by Tom in Economy, Investment, Politics | 3 Comments

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Information collected from media reports over the past month:

  • Manufacturing: Spanish appliance manufacturer Fagor will invest US$3.5 million to expand capacity at its production plant in the central state of San Luís Potosí.  The project is aimed at boosting output of products such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens and other kitchen equipment. (Mexican Business Web, August 27, 2012)
  • Logistics: Mexican rail operator Ferrocarril Mexicano (Ferromex) plans investment of approximately US$2.3 billion over the next five years to upgrade infrastructure to meet projected growth in demand for rail service.  Resources will be used to expand and improve track and freight terminals to handle expected demand growth from the automotive and mining sectors. (El Economista, August 26, 2012)
  • Building materials: U.S. ceramic flooring manufacturer Daltile opened a new production facility in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$65 million site becomes the company’s eighth manufacturing location in the country. (El Economista, September 4, 2012)
  • Security: Brink’s Panamericano de México, Mexican affiliate of U.S. secure transport firm Brink’s, is projecting investment of US$30 million over the next three years for upgrades and expansion.  Plans include upgraded armored trucks and equipment, technology enhancements and training for personnel. (Mexican Business Web, September 7, 2012)
  • Electronics: U.S. contract manufacturer Sigmatron inaugurated a new production facility in the northern state of Tijuana.  The US$2 million plant will produce electronic components for the medical, automotive and electronics industries. (Periódico Industrial Siglo XXI, September 11, 2012) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment in Mexico

Jul 3

Posted by Tom in Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Information collected from media reports over the past month:

  • Automotive: Japanese auto parts maker Yachiyo began construction of a new manufacturing plant in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$20 million facility is planned to produce to manufacture fuel tanks, sunroofs, sheet-metal parts and plastic parts for a new Honda auto plant also under construction in the state. (El Economista, May 30, 2012)
  • Manufacturing: U.S. Corporate group 3M will open a new research and development center in the northeastern Mexican state of San Luís Potosí, the state government announced.  The new facility, which will conduct research in support of product development in areas such as bioscience, energy, lighting, chemicals, automotive and aerospace, is part of US$60 million in planned investments in Mexico by the company. (El Financiero, May 28, 2012)
  • Transport: U.S. rail carrier Kansas City Southern plans investments worth US$125 million this year in its Mexico rail network.  Resources will be put into maintenance and infrastructure in areas such as track, locomotives, railcars and other equipment, the company reported. (El Financiero, May 28, 2012)
  • Food processing: Mexican multinational flour miller Gruma will invest US$57 million in its Mexico operations this year, the company reported.  The resources for the company’s corn and wheat flour production plants will support upgrades in production capacity and advanced processing technologies.  (Reforma, June 14, 2012)
  • Hospitality: U.S. hotel operator Hyatt will be ramping up its presence in Mexico through the recent acquisition of Mexico City’s emblematic Nikko hotel as well as construction of six new hotels in the country, the company reported.  In addition to the US$190 million cost of the Nikko, to be renamed Hyatt Regency Mexico City, the company will spend another US$40 million on upgrades to meeting facilities, audio visual technology and Wi-Fi connections. (El Financiero, May 28, 2012) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Nov 1

Posted by Tom in Economy, Investment, Manufacturing | 3 Comments

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Information collected from media reports over the past month:

  • Automotive: German auto parts manufacturer Robert Bosch projected investment in its Mexico operations at US$78 million for 2011.  The resources are earmarked to support introduction of new technologies and preparation for the manufacture of new brake pad and battery products at the company’s 13 Mexico production locations. (El Informador, September 29, 2011)
  • Aerospace: Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier announced it will invest US$50 million to outfit its Queretaro plant to produce the aft fuselage for its new generation of long range business jets.  Mexico is now producing major composite structures for the company’s Learjet 85, such as fuselage lay-up and subsystem installation, wiring harness fabrication and installation, wing assembly and horizontal and vertical stabilizer assemblies. (The Montreal Gazette, October 25, 2011)
  • Recycling: Germany-based industrial services firm Ferrostaal AG announced plans to build a tire recycling plant in Mexico.  The facility will convert used vehicle tires into rubber granules for potential use in the manufacture of sports and recreation surfaces, soundproofing insulation or water hoses, among other uses.  The amount of investment in the new plant was not specified. (Ferrostaal, September 26, 2011)
  • Mining: Minera Autlán, subsidiary of Mexican mining group Grupo Ferrominero (GFM), is projecting investment in its Mexico mining operations of up to US$300 million over the next five years.  GFM’s energy subsidiary GFM Energía also plans to build three hydroelectric plants and one wind power generating plant in the coming years. (Reforma, October 6, 2011)
  • Steel: U.S.-based Steel Technologies announced plans to build a new steel processing facility in the northeastern state of Nuevo León.  The US$78 million plant is planned to provide steel cutting and surface treatment services for the region’s thriving automotive industry. (NAFTA Works, October 2011) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Sep 5

Posted by Tom in Economy, Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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  • Agribusiness: Mexican agricultural services provider Phytosan inaugurated a new phytosanitary radiation plant in the northeastern state of San Luis Potosi following investment of US$12 million.  The facility, the only one of its kind in Mexico, will be used to treat fruits and vegetables for export to the United States.
  • Automotive: Japanese automaker Honda plans to invest US$800 million to build a new manufacturing plant in the central state of Guanajuato.  The new factory, planned to begin production by 2014, will produce energy-efficient subcompact autos. Honda currently operates an automobile factory in the western state of Jalisco.
  • Hospitality: U.S.-based hotelier La Quinta Inns & Suites announced plans to invest US$60 million to expand operations in Mexico over the next three years.  Projects are expected to include new hotels in business hubs such as Mexico City, Ciudad Juarez, Reynosa and San Luís Potosí, among other locations.
  • Automotive: Japanese automaker Honda will reactive investment plans at its manufacturing plant in the western state of Jalisco.  US$60 million in resources are earmarked to install equipment and technology needed to produce the company’s next model CR-V recreational vehicle.
  • Automotive: U.S. auto parts maker TRW Automotive announced it will invest US$50 million to install a new manufacturing plant in the central Mexican state of Queretaro.  The new facility reportedly will produce anti-lock braking systems to supply Volkswagen Brazil.
  • Mining: Mexican corporate group GFM has formed a joint venture between its heavy equipment subsidiary GFM Maquinaria and Singapore-based Singapore Technologies Kinetics to market mining equipment under the brand TRXBUILD.  The association plans to build a factory to produce equipment such as backhoes, tractors and off-road trucks in Mexico within five years through projected investment of US$20 million. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Jul 8

Posted by Tom in Economy, Investment, Manufacturing | 1 Comment

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  • Aerospace: Mexican aerospace manufacturer Hydra Technologies closed the first sale of its Ehecatl unmanned aircraft to a foreign customer at the Paris Air Show this month.  Hydra’s export order by a Canadian buyer, the value of which was not revealed, includes six aircraft, supporting equipment and services.  The contract represents the first export order of completed aircraft designed and built by a Mexican company, a major step forward for the country’s burgeoning aerospace industry.
  • Automotive: Japanese automaker Mazda at long last confirmed rumors that it will build a major new production facility in the central Mexican city of Salamanca, Guanajuato State.  The US$500 million facility, planned to produce next-generation engines and automobiles, is scheduled to open in 2013.
  • Trade: Chinese trade promotion agency Chinamex announced plans to build a Dragon Mart shopping center in Cancun, Mexico, via initial investment of US$150 million.  The complex, which will offer exhibition space, importation facilities, retail and wholesale outlets and restaurants, is intended to promote exports by small and medium sized Chinese companies.
  • Logistics: Mexican courier and logistics company Redpack inaugurated a new Operations Center in the western city of Guadalajara, Jalisco.  The US$6 million facility provides freight yards, warehousing, loading docks and office space to facilitate the company’s freight management for the western region.
  • Automotive: Platinum Tool Technologies, a Canadian manufacturer of molds for the automotive industry, formally inaugurated its plant in the northern state of Coahuila following US$1.75 million in investment. The facility provides high quality repairs, maintenance and engineering changes for molds and tooling.
  • Health care: A consortium of public and private institutions in Monterrey, Nuevo León, is projecting investment of US$400 million over the coming years to develop a health care cluster to be called “Monterrey City of Health”.  The project involves hospitals, laboratories, universities and research centers, and is intended to attract patients and health professionals from elsewhere in Mexico and around the world for advanced care and professional opportunities. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Apr 5

Posted by Tom in Economy, Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Energy: U.S. energy giant General Electric inaugurated an advanced research center in the central Mexican state of Queretaro.  The US$20 million facility, located close to one of Mexico’s leading aerospace clusters, will contribute to the design of airplane turbines and power generation systems.
  • Retail: Mexico’s leading retailer, Wal-Mart de Mexico, revealed plans to invest US$1.2 billion in Mexico in 2011.  The record-setting amount will help cover the opening of a projected 365 new retail locations across the company’s formats.
  • Electronics: German electronics manufacturer Siemens is investing a combined US50 million in new assembly and testing infrastructure in the central state of Queretaro.  The facilities will produce equipment for high voltage systems as well as contribute to new product development.
  • Manufacturing: Construction is underway on the fifth Mexico plant of Dutch lighting products manufacturer Philips.  The new facility, located in the northeastern city of Monterrey, is planned to produce lighting equipment for residential, industrial, commercial and municipal applications.
  • Transport: Kansas City Southern railroad’s Mexico subsidiary announced plans to invest US$125 million in upgrades this year.  The 2011 resources, an increase over 2010, are earmarked for infrastructure development, railway network maintenance and the purchase of equipment and technology.
  • Retail: Leading Mexican grocery and general merchandise chain Soriana will invest US$300 million to open new stores in 2011, the company announced.  Planned store openings include aggressive expansion of the chain’s downscale “Soriana Express” format.
  • Food processing: Food and beverage giant Pepsico will invest US$40 million in Mexico over the next seven years to expand the cultivation of sunflower.  Oil from the plants will be used in the production of the company’s baked goods under the brands Sabritas, Gamesa and Quaker. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Jun 1

Posted by Tom in Economy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Real Estate:  Mexican real estate developer Marhnos announced plans to build up to five office towers in Mexico City over the next five years.  The company is projecting investment of approximately US$1.5 billion in the projects, which will be carried out in alliance with New York-based developers Turner International.
  • Apparel: Sports apparel and footwear maker Grupo Charly is manufacturing in Mexico again after an absence of six years.  The  Mexican company offshored the last of its domestic production to Asia in 2004, but began to move some manufacturing back home last year to improve delivery times.  They project ramping up Mexico production to 600,000 pairs of sports shoes over the next three years.
  • Automotive: Nissan Mexicana has reported plans to invest US$600 million at its plant in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to manufacture a new model car.  The auto maker plans to build 50,000 units annually of the new model, which will include 75% components from domestic suppliers.
  • IT: Mexico’s top telco Telmex announced it will significantly expand its Triara Data Center over the coming two years.  The US$100 million facility provides integrated hosting services, data storage, backup and connectivity solutions to domestic and international corporate clients as well as government agencies.
  • Automotive: U.S. truck maker Navistar announced its Mexican subsidiary Navistar Mexico will increase production by 50% by the end of the current year.  The company’s US$250 million facility in Escobedo, Nuevo Leon is the largest truck and bus chassis manufacturing plant in Latin America. Read the rest of this entry »

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