Mexico continues to post strong FDI momentum, with fresh manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure moves underscoring the country’s nearshoring positioning and policy push under “Plan Mexico.” Recent data also confirm that 2025 FDI inflows are tracking above 2024 levels, led by manufacturing, auto parts, and energy-linked infrastructure.
Mexico attracted $40.906 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (hashtag#FDI) during the third quarter of 2025 (3Q25) , a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2024, announced Marcelo Ebrard, head of the Ministry of Economy (SE) , who considered the figure reached in the period a new record .
“We are going to reach almost 41 billion dollars, that’s what we have this last quarter. If we compare it to 2024, it grew 15%,” Ebrard highlighted at the morning press conference this Wednesday. This pace of FDI, he explained, “means that investors from all over the world are deciding to invest in Mexico in a greater proportion than we had even expected.”
Of the total FDI in the period, the federal official highlighted that new investments were the area that showed the greatest dynamism in the cycle, going from two billion dollars to six billion five hundred million dollars .
“New investments in a country. That is, they are not reinvestments, but new investments,” he emphasized, adding that the sectors that will benefit are energy, data centers, infrastructure projects, and the financial sector.
Meanwhile, hashtag#manufacturing accounted for 37.1% of total FDI, followed by financial services with 25.1%, construction with 5%; and transportation, postal and storage services with 4.8%, according to figures presented by Ebrard. hashtag#MexicoManufacturing
According to SE data, as of the third quarter of 2025, reinvestment of profits accounted for 68%, new investments for 16%, and intercompany accounts for 16%.
The hashtag United States accounted for 39.46% of total investment flows, confirming its strategic importance as hashtag#Mexico’s main investment partner. It was followed by Spain with 14.09%, Japan with 7.05%, the Netherlands with 6.31%, and Canada with 5.61%.
By state, Mexico City remains the top destination for foreign investment, accounting for 55.77% of the total. It was followed by Nuevo León with 10.15%, the State of Mexico with 7.74%, Baja California with 4.36%, and Coahuila with 2.88% as of Q3 2025.
From 2018 to 2025, foreign direct investment in Mexico has grown by 69%, the Secretary of Economy pointed out, emphasizing that this represents “constant growth, but it is accelerating.”
He explained that the figure reached in the period means that investors have confidence in the Mexican government and consolidates a trend of growth in FDI in the country, since good results were also obtained in the previous quarter, with an FDI of 34 billion 265 million dollars .
Ebrard also reported that Mexican exports continue to rise , despite an adverse economic and geopolitical environment, framed by the United States’ tariff policy.
In that regard, he indicated that shipments of goods abroad grew 48% from 2020 to 2024, going from 417 billion dollars to 617 billion dollars , with an annual growth rate of 10.5% in the reference period.
FDI inflows remain on a record trajectory, with USMCA-driven trade and nearshoring announcements sustaining investor interest despite global uncertainty.
Manufacturing, auto parts, logistics, and energy/infra continue to dominate new projects, especially in northern and Bajío states.
“Plan Mexico” tax incentives and simplified procedures are now a central policy lever to lock in nearshoring, with an explicit 2025–2030 horizon.
Industrial activity in Mexico grows 0.7% in October and achieves better result in 8 months. Mexico's industrial activity advanced 0.8% monthly in October, in seasonally adjusted figures, its greatest increase in the last 8 months, thanks to a strong rebound in construction that overshaded the weakness of manufacturing, reported the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
Mexico is projecting nearly 41 billion USD in FDI for 2025, a 15% year‑on‑year increase, with new investments (not reinvestment) jumping from 2 billion USD to 6.5 billion USD in the latest reported cycle.
New capital is concentrating in sectors tied to energy, data centers, infrastructure and financial services, reflecting investor appetite for assets backing nearshoring and digitalization.
In Durango, the Coficab II expansion reinforces the state’s Industrial Logistics Center, taking the firm’s cumulative investment above 170 million USD and employment beyond 1,400, with over 60 million USD tied to the new phase. Coficab, a Tunisian company, inaugurated its second plant in Durango, an investment of over $60 million, bringing its total investment in the state to more than $170 million. The company specializes in electrical cables for the automotive industry and also has a presence in Silao, Monterrey, and Juárez
Bayon Precision Automotive committed 28 million USD in San Luis Potosí for an EV‑focused aluminum die‑casting plant, while MLS México plans a 261.7 million USD LED‑lighting complex in Durango, collectively adding several thousand specialized jobs through 2030.
Grupo Cimarrón, a Chihuahua-based company that markets sweets, beverages, nuts, and seeds, will invest $20 million in a new plant in Toluca. Eighty percent of its production is exported to the United States.
Mercado Libre inaugurated its 14th distribution center in Mexico, located in Sinaloa, as part of a $5 million investment in the state. It has an area of 10,000 m2
Tongling Mexico has officially commenced construction of its new manufacturing plant in the Marabis Castro del Río hashtag#IndustrialPark in Irapuato, with an investment exceeding US$91 million.
With an investment exceeding $80 million, the new BunLan plant was inaugurated this Wednesday in Delicias, Chihuahua. Bun Lan specializes in hashtag#manufacturing injection-molded plastic components for the automotive and security industries, including sensors, control panels, and alarm devices. Its establishment in Delicias marks a strategic advancement in attracting industries related to automation and Industry 4.0 processes, which require specialized technical personnel and offer above-average regional salaries.
Nissan starts expansion of 120,000 m² in Aguascalientes to produce pick-ups. Nissan began the expansion of its A1 plant in Aguascalientes, adding more than 120,000 m² to produce its first pick-up in the state.
Smurfit Westrock is making a significant investment of $65 million in the development of a new plant in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora, aimed at producing corrugated cardboard packaging for breweries and food companies.
Stellantis Allocates More Production to Its Saltillo and Toluca Plants and Launches New Brand in Mexico. The Saltillo complex will manufacture the RAM 1500, and Toluca will assemble the Cherokee Hybrid and the Recon Electric, part of Stellantis' plan to expand its portfolio, employment, and production presence in hashtag Mexico.
DiscoveryCRE is Mexico's Premier Commercial Real Estate Liaison Specializing in Nearshoring and Industrial Tenant Site Selection. We help companies make informed SITE SELECTION decisions. Manufacturing and Logistics Operations.
When nearshoring to Mexico, having the right partner makes all the difference. Our team primarily represents industrial tenants and buyers providing expert site selection and facility acquisition for manufacturing and logistics companies across Mexico.
Ready to simplify your Mexico expansion?
USA and Canada Toll free number 1 (800) 603-3460
Mexico Toll Free number 800 099 1437
Guadalajara Telephone number +52 33 3348 2317
Luis@DiscoveryCRE.com
Thank you for reading our edition of the MexicoCRE Newsletter. Stay tuned for more updates and investment opportunities! 🙏
🌎💲FDI inflows are increasingly influenced by nearshoring, reflecting firms’ intent to serve North American markets efficiently under USMCA frameworks.
New FDI surges reinforce Mexico’s status as a North American industrial powerhouse; manufacturing, pharma, and food sectors dominate.
Government policy is sharply focused on leveraging nearshoring, infrastructure build-out, and SME support to sustain momentum.
Strategic states (Mexico City, Nuevo León, Hidalgo, Querétaro, Chihuahua) and emerging infrastructure corridors will be focal points for new investment.
Hospitality and branded experience investments underscore Mexico’s growing appeal as both an industrial and lifestyle destination.
Watch for ongoing policy and investment shifts as Mexico positions itself for accelerated regional integration and global supply chain realignment.
🏭 Chesisa Inaugurates New Industrial Park in the State of Mexico
The new infrastructure strengthens the Tultitlán-Tultepec industrial corridor and regional competitiveness.
The development company Chesisa inaugurated the first of six planned industrial parks in the municipality of Tultitlán, as part of an expansion plan that includes a total investment of 3.5 billion pesos and the creation of more than 2,800 direct and indirect jobs.
🏭 Industrial megaproject announced in Ramos Arizpe; spearheaded by GrupAvante.
The project represents a $150 million investment, aimed at strengthening the local and national economy. The Ramos Arizpe Municipal Government announced the arrival of the Avante Ramos Arizpe Industrial Park, a large-scale industrial project that includes a $150 million investment, with the goal of strengthening the municipality's economic activity and expanding its production capacity at the national level.
The development, spearheaded by Grupo Avante, will cover more than 185,000 square meters and will include five industrial buildings constructed according to international standards of quality, sustainability, and innovation. The infrastructure will be world-class, designed to attract advanced manufacturing and logistics companies.
🏭 Shacman Mexico Set to Establish Truck Assembly Plant in Puebla.
Shacman Mexico, the local arm of the Chinese bus and truck manufacturer, is embarking on a significant venture by constructing an assembly plant in Puebla. While specific investment details remain undisclosed, the company is gearing up to kick off production with 1,000 Shacman trucks, with plans to scale up to 4,000 units within the plant's third year of operation.
🚢🚢🚢🚢 Mexican Ports: Enabling Nearshoring Success
Mexico´s Ports are emerging as pivotal nearshoring hubs due to significant investments, modernization efforts, and their profound impact on the nation's manufacturing and industrial supply chain. In the evolving landscape of global supply chains, Mexico has attracted companies looking to establish production facilities in proximity to the United States, positioning its seaports as crucial elements of the nearshoring strategy.
With substantial investments, infrastructure enhancements, and improved connectivity to industrial zones and railways, these ports have evolved into strategic centers for manufacturing and exports.
Revolutionizing Infrastructure. Mexico is driving a port modernization initiative exceeding $22 billion, facilitating the development of new terminals, expanded docks, advanced cargo handling technologies, and enhanced transport links to highways and rail networks.
Leading the charge in this transformation are ports like Altamira, Manzanillo, and Veracruz, leveraging their strategic locations and capabilities to serve diverse industries such as automotive, electronics, machinery, and advanced manufacturing.
Significance of Ports in Manufacturing and Industry
- Streamlining Logistics Operations:
Proximity to the United States and upgraded port infrastructure significantly decrease transit times by land and sea, particularly benefiting companies operating under just-in-time systems that prioritize efficiency.
- Attracting Foreign Investment:
A modernized port with reliable routes and efficient operations becomes a magnet for companies seeking stable logistics environments, influencing decisions on establishing production facilities, distribution centers, and advanced supply chains.
- Enhancing Logistics Networks:
Ports function as integral parts of broader logistics ecosystems, complemented by highways, railways, and industrial zones. While infrastructure enhancements are ongoing, the integration of logistics networks is visibly strengthening in regions like the Bajío, the north, and emerging hubs in the south-southeast.
💲📈 Queretaro is on track for economic growth in 2025, with 42 new investment projects totaling MX$14 billion confirmed, maintaining the momentum achieved in 2024. Minister of Sustainable Development, Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, anticipates closing the year with a similar investment level as the previous year.
Notable among the projects is Solfium's US$10 million investment in a solar panel installation platform and Gerresheimer and Cryoinfra's MX$100 million partnership for Mexico's first green hydrogen plant. LG Innotek is set to establish a MX$3.5 billion manufacturing center, reinforcing Queretaro's position as a hub for advanced manufacturing and clean technologies.
Addressing the region's increasing electricity demand, initiatives by CFE and private sectors aim to expand capacity by 600MW by 2027. Projects like the CloudHQ data center in Colon with a dedicated switching substation are supporting future industrial growth, ensuring energy resilience for manufacturing and data infrastructure.
🚛💲🏭 SHPAC from Korea Invests $40 Million in New Plant in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.
In a significant move, Korean company SHPAC has initiated the construction of a new plant in León, Guanajuato, with a substantial $40 million investment. This venture is set to create 120 direct jobs, further solidifying the state's industrial prowess and signaling its appeal for high-value manufacturing endeavors.
The inauguration ceremony of SHPAC's new facility was graced by state officials, including representatives of Governor Libia Dennise. The company's decision to establish roots in Guanajuato underscores its confidence in the region's economic landscape and León's robust manufacturing and service infrastructure.
SHPAC's foray into León is poised to bolster the metalworking sector, focusing on the production of specialized components crucial for infrastructure and construction projects. By engaging local and regional suppliers, the company aims to enhance the value chain, offering growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Bajío industrial domain.
Moreover, this $40 million initiative will foster closer collaboration between the metalworking and construction industries, pivotal sectors in Guanajuato's economic framework. The plant's setup not only fortifies the state's standing as an attractive hub for productive investments in Mexico but also amplifies its global market presence.
The establishment of SHPAC's new plant is not just about job creation; it signifies a commitment to nurturing local talent through specialized employment opportunities and technical training programs. This strategic focus on skill development is poised to elevate productivity levels, cultivate a highly skilled workforce, and enhance the competitive landscape for regional industries.
By diversifying Guanajuato's industrial landscape and supporting innovative projects in construction and infrastructure, SHPAC's investment underscores the state's trajectory towards enhanced competitiveness and sustainability. Such initiatives reinforce Guanajuato's global appeal, positioning it favorably against other regions vying for capital, skilled labor, and robust supply.
🏭💲Grupo ERAN from Israel pledges a significant investment of 500 million pesos, set to transform the local economy. This substantial funding will fuel the establishment of a cutting-edge industrial facility, paving the way for the generation of over 1,000 new job opportunities directly within the municipality.
CEO Dan Levitin unveiled plans for the operational commencement of the plant in April 2026, foreseeing the employment of more than 300 community members by year-end. Looking ahead, Grupo ERAN aims to diversify and enhance its operations over the next three years, incorporating advanced technologies and vertically integrated manufacturing processes. This expansion strategy is projected to scale up the workforce to exceed 1,000 employees, while also facilitating the development of a sprawling 159,000 square meters of production space. The company's focus will revolve around electronics, LED technologies, and air purification systems.
🏢🏢 Fibra Uno, the pioneering real estate investment trust (REIT) listed on the Mexican stock exchange, unveils a bold expansion strategy. With plans to invest up to 10 billion pesos annually for the next five years, the company aims to significantly boost its presence.
During Fibra Uno Day, executives outlined a roadmap to raise US$500 million yearly, totaling 9.2 billion pesos, through a mix of debt issuances and capital market placements. This financial infusion will fuel the addition of nearly six million square meters of gross leasable area and a doubling of operational funds.
By 2030, Fibra Uno envisions expanding its gross leasable area to almost 17 million square meters, a substantial increase from the 11.1 million square meters recorded in Q3 2025. Cash flows are projected to surge by close to 100%, climbing from 2.52 pesos per square meter this year to nearly 5 pesos per square meter by 2030.
🚘🚗The Chinese BYD revived the intention to install a manufacturing plant in Mexico, a project that would eventually be announced before the end of the year, said Julián Villarroel, corporate vice president of BYD Mexico.
In addition, the Chinese automotive company is lobbying with the Mexican government to avoid paying the tariff of up to 50% on the import of vehicles from countries with which Mexico does not have a trade agreement, whose application will depend on the approval of Congress.
BYD's conviction is that it came to stay in Mexico, since both our country and Brazil are key markets to continue the expansion of the corporate that manufactures light and heavy vehicles in Latin America, with its main muscle that is the manufacture of its own batteries for electromobility.
As of November 2025, the situation is that the company has reaffirmed its interest in the project, but the final decision on the location and the start of operations is still pending and is being "reconsidered." An official announcement is expected soon.
Key points:
Intention Confirmed: BYD maintains its intention to establish a manufacturing plant in Mexico, with the aim of starting operations before January 2026.
Current Status: The project has not been canceled, but plans are being reconsidered due to trade uncertainty and potential U.S. tariff pressure.
Possible Locations: States such as Nuevo León, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Durango and Jalisco have been mentioned as possible finalists to house the plant, although the final decision has not been announced.
Alternative Plans: BYD has been exploring the possibility of acquiring an existing facility, such as Nissan's COMPAS plant in Aguascalientes, which will close in May 2026
Global Context: The first BYD factory outside Asia was recently opened in Brazil.
Job Creation: It is estimated that the plant would generate about 10,000 direct jobs in Mexico.
🏢💲📈🏭Mexico City’s Industrial Surge: A New Benchmark for Latin America.
Mexico City’s industrial real estate market is setting an extraordinary pace in 2025, shattering records with 1.4 million square meters commercialized by Q3,a five year high driven by logistics and light manufacturing firms seeking strategic urban distribution spaces.
Key growth factors include preleasing (40%) and renewals (39%), underscoring robust demand and market confidence.
The city’s logistics corridors are expanding, especially Zumpango-AIFA (60%), Tultitlán (28%), and Huehuetoca-Tepeji (6%), which concentration the most ambitious new developments.
Inventory is on the rise with a 10.1% annual uptick, reaching 12.09 million sqm of class A space. Over 766,000 sqm are in the development pipeline, up 77% quarter over quarter, with over half of new Big Box projects already preleased.
Despite this, vacancy remains low at 2.0%, even with a slight increase, showing the underlying strength and tightness of the market.
Rental rates are resilient, averaging USD $10.13/sqm/month and ranging from $8 to $13.5.
Logistics dominates demand, accounting for 98% of absorption. Mexican and U.S. companies lead participation, capturing 39% and 37% of transactions respectively.
Foreign direct investment is surging, with Mexico City attracting 56% of national FDI in the first half of 2025, a 36% year-on-year jump. The U.S. and Spain remain principal investors, cementing the city’s role as an industrial capital for Mexico and the region.
With growing sustainable projects, strategic location, and relentless demand, Mexico City stands out as Latin America’s most competitive industrial hub. This new benchmark underscores its appeal for global players and sets a powerful narrative for nearshoring and investment.
DiscoveryCRE is Mexico's Premier Commercial Real Estate Liaison Specializing in Nearshoring and Industrial Tenant Site Selection. We help companies make informed SITE SELECTION decisions. Manufacturing and Logistics Operations.
When nearshoring to Mexico, having the right partner makes all the difference. Our team primarily represents industrial tenants and buyers providing expert site selection and facility acquisition for manufacturing and logistics companies across Mexico.
Ready to simplify your Mexico expansion?
USA and Canada Toll free number 1 (800) 603-3460
Mexico Toll Free number 800 099 1437
Guadalajara Telephone number +52 33 3348 2317
Luis@DiscoveryCRE.com
Thank you for reading our edition of the MexicoCRE Newsletter. Stay tuned for more updates and investment opportunities! 🙏
The big trends (late-2025): MexicoFDI / MexicoCRE
Mexico continues to lead the region in attracting FDI, building on its recent quarterly record of $3.15 billion in new FDI and maintaining robust investment inflows in Q3 2025, despite uncertain global markets.U.S., Spain, and Canada remain top investor countries.
Hot sectors include aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, pharmaceutical packaging, and advanced manufacturing. Key states: Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Chihuahua, Querétaro, and Chiapas. Mexico’s renewable energy and clean tech sectors are seeing accelerated development, especially in Central Mexico. Policy and incentive shifts continue to attract foreign companies in semiconductor, electromobility, and medical device sectors, strengthening Mexico’s position as a nearshoring hub
Shift from a land rush to a sorting-out phase. After years of record demand, Mexico industrial real estate availability has crept up in several border markets (e.g., Tijuana ~8% vacancy; rises in Mexicali/Reynosa/Juárez), as a heavy 2024–25 construction pipeline hits the market. Net-net: still healthy nationally, but more tenant-friendly in select cities.
Power is the governor on growth. Datacenters, AI hardware, and are straining Mexico’s grid. The government issued fresh electric-sector regulations in October to fast-track priority projects—helpful, but execution will be key. AI hardware + electronics momentum.
Foxconn is expanding to build Nvidia Blackwell/GB200 AI servers in Mexico (notably Guadalajara/Chihuahua), anchoring a broader AI supply chain shift. Auto retooling toward EVs continues. BMW’s €800m battery/EV investment in San Luis Potosí and other OEM refreshes keep the north/center humming—while rules-of-origin pressure ahead of the 2026 USMCA review raises compliance stakes for Tier-2/3 suppliers.
Manufacturing & Logistics is broadening beyond the classic border. New/expanded corridors—e.g., the Interoceanic Corridor (CIIT) plan through 2030, a reactivated Puerto del Norte in Matamoros, and upgraded ports like Guaymas—are opening new routing options. How companies are benefiting: Shorter lead times & logistics savings. OEMs shipping via modernized ports (e.g., Guaymas) report ~30% logistics cost reductions vs. prior routings—compounded by faster replenishment into U.S.
DCs. Tariff mitigation & USMCA preferences. By meeting content rules and filing correctly, firms avoid potential blanket tariffs and de-risk policy swings; the 2026 review makes proactive compliance even more valuable. Deeper cluster effects. Auto, electronics, and med-device clusters enable multi-sourcing within a 1–3 hour radius, better supplier development, and shared labor pools—evident in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Bajío, and Tijuana ecosystems.
Site selection Upgrading capabilities. Plants aren’t just “maquilas” anymore: companies are adding battery modules, AI-server integration, NPD, and automation/AI on the line (e.g., BMW SLP’s digital factory approach).
How companies are benefiting:
Shorter lead times & logistics savings. OEMs shipping via modernized ports (e.g., Guaymas) report ~30% logistics cost reductions vs. prior routings—compounded by faster replenishment into U.S. DCs.
Tariff mitigation & USMCA preferences. By meeting content rules and filing correctly, firms avoid potential blanket tariffs and de-risk policy swings; the 2026 review makes proactive compliance even more valuable.
Deeper cluster effects. Auto, electronics, and med-device clusters enable multi-sourcing within a 1–3 hour radius, better supplier development, and shared labor pools—evident in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Bajío, and Tijuana ecosystems.
Takeaways:
Record-breaking FDI: $3.15bn new quarterly inflow; sustained U.S. and EU confidence.
AIRCOM GROUP opens $24m electronics plant in Chihuahua.
Hengli Hydraulics invests $325m in Nuevo Leon, 800 new jobs.
First green hydrogen plant launches in Querétaro ($5.5m investment; Cryoinfra/Gerresheimer).
Landmark fly production plant for livestock health in Chiapas, eradicating screwworm.
National Electric System Plan backs $8.1bn+ in new solar and wind power projects.
Data center boom accelerates infrastructure demand in energy and telecom.
Freight and passenger rail expansion reshaping logistics corridors.
Nearshoring incentives continue to drive advanced manufacturing, especially U.S. supply chains.
DiscoveryCRE is Mexico's Premier Commercial Real Estate Liaison Specializing in Nearshoring and Industrial Tenant Site Selection. We help companies make informed SITE SELECTION decisions. Manufacturing and Logistics Operations.
When nearshoring to Mexico, having the right partner makes all the difference. Our team primarily represents industrial tenants and buyers providing expert site selection and facility acquisition for manufacturing and logistics companies across Mexico.
Ready to simplify your Mexico expansion?
USA and Canada Toll free number 1 (800) 603-3460
Mexico Toll Free number 800 099 1437
Guadalajara Telephone number +52 33 3348 2317
Luis@DiscoveryCRE.com
Thank you for reading our edition of the MexicoCRE Newsletter. Stay tuned for more updates and investment opportunities! 🙏
🏭 Shovel Ready (Fully developed land) at Disovery Tala Industrial Park.
Shovel ready and fully developed land in Mexico refer to industrial or commercial parcels that are prepared for immediate construction, minimizing delays and risk for investors and developers. It is a bottom-line necessity. Shovel ready in real estate describes a property that is fully prepared for construction, with all necessary planning, permits, environmental clearances, and infrastructure in place, allowing construction to begin immediately.
We understand that delays in permitting, utility access, or approvals can add costs, and derail timelines. What we offer.
1. Fully Permitted, Zoned, and Ready for Development
2. Infrastructure in Place—Utilities, Roads, and Connectivity
3. Fast-Tracked Approvals in 60–120 Days
4. Workforce - (Labor Availabilty)
5. Support Services—Before, During, and After Break Ground
Why It’s a Necessity in Mexico
Speed to Market:
Nearshoring and industrial investment trends in Mexico hinge on the ability to launch facilities rapidly, making shovel ready land a competitive necessity. Companies want to avoid lengthy permitting, utility installation, and regulatory hurdles, which can slow projects by months or years in undeveloped areas.
Risk Reduction:
Pre-certified or fully developed sites minimize unexpected delays or cost overruns from legal, environmental, or infrastructure issues. This predictable environment is especially important for multinationals and FDI investors accustomed to high standards of certainty in site selection.
Attractiveness to Investors:
Shovel ready sites differentiate themselves in competitive markets by providing certainty of timelines, infrastructure, and legal standing, directly appealing to occupiers, developers, and industrial park operators looking for a reliable, turnkey solution.
Public Policy and Economic Development:
Governments and local agencies in Mexico increasingly promote shovel ready industrial parks and parcels as part of regional development and FDI attraction strategies. This supports quicker job creation, faster tax revenue generation, and broader economic development by eliminating barriers to entry for new projects.
Shovel ready and fully developed land are foundational for Mexico’s industrial growth, especially in the context of rapid nearshoring, by streamlining investment timelines and reducing uncertainty for both foreign and domestic investors.
💲NEW INVESTMENTS
Salesforce confirmed a $1 billion investment in Mexico over the next five years, focused on expanding operations and driving artificial intelligence adoption. This move demonstrates major confidence in Mexico’s tech ecosystem and digital market advancement.
Pluri Subsidiary Coffeesai, in collaboration with Instituto del Café de Chiapas, announced a cell-based coffee manufacturing venture in Chiapas, initiating pilot-scale bioreactor deployments in southern Mexico—illustrating the country’s diversification into biotech manufacturing.
Masterlock from Fortune invests 700 MDP to expand its plant in Nogales, Sonora. Masterlock is a company focused on products for home, security and commercial construction, which also includes brands of smart locks.
Mexico's strategic advantages in Furniture manufacturing and interior design, coupled with its strong investment outlook. Recently, MillerKnoll, a US manufacturer, established its first Latin American plant in Apodaca, Nuevo León, showcasing a long-term commitment to efficiency and market proximity. Industrial hubs in states like Jalisco, Chihuahua, Nuevo León, and Baja California drive the nation's furniture production, attracting both international giants and local manufacturers. In Nuevo León, companies like LazyBoy and WilliamsSonoma cater to the US market, showcasing the region's manufacturing prowess.
inaugurates the first green hydrogen plant in Mexico A milestone collaboration between Gerresheimer and Cryoinfra is paving the way for Latin America's first green hydrogen plant, set to be established in Querétaro. This innovative project aims to produce up to 75 tons of hydrogen annually using renewable sources, revolutionizing industrial processes and reducing emissions.
Japanese company Daikin has opened a new plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, with an investment of 7 billion pesos (approx. US $380 million), aiming to strengthen its production capacity and serve growing demand in North America and Latin America.
Grupo JUMEX inaugurated its Master Distribution Center II (CMD II), in Ecatepec, State of Mexico, with an investment of 2.2 billion pesos (mdp).
Emergent Cold LatAm entered the Mexican market via the acquisition of Bajo Cero Frigoríficos, a cold storage company with facilities in Irapuato, Villagrán, and León. They completed an expansion of their Villagrán (Guanajuato) facility: added ~7,000 new pallet positions, increasing capacity to ~16,000 positions. They inaugurated a greenfield cold storage facility in Monterrey (Ciénega de Flores) with ~23,000 pallet capacity (~150,000 m³). They announced expansion plans in Guadalajara (Jalisco): a new 30,000 m² warehouse with capacity for ~12,000 pallets, with room for future doubling. In Mexico, they are operating ~35 multi-temperature warehouses across several states (Nuevo León, Guanajuato, Baja California, Estado de México, Mexico City) as of March 2025.
Additional significant FDI inflows continue in both manufacturing and tech, with recent six-month FDI figures surpassing $34 billion, reinforcing Mexico’s status as a top emerging-market investment destination.
Mexico's industrial landscape is poised for continued growth, driven by nearshoring trends and strategic advantages in manufacturing. The country's resilience in navigating global trade challenges, coupled with significant infrastructure investments, suggests a promising future for investors and businesses alike.
DiscoveryCRE is Mexico's Premier Commercial Real Estate Liaison Specializing in Nearshoring and Industrial Tenant Site Selection. We help companies make informed SITE SELECTION decisions. Manufacturing and Logistics Operations.
When nearshoring to Mexico, having the right partner makes all the difference. Our team primarily represents industrial tenants and buyers providing expert site selection and facility acquisition for manufacturing and logistics companies across Mexico.
Ready to simplify your Mexico expansion?
USA and Canada Toll free number 1 (800) 603-3460
Mexico Toll Free number 800 099 1437
Guadalajara Telephone number +52 33 3348 2317
Luis@DiscoveryCRE.com
Thank you for reading our edition of the MexicoCRE Newsletter. Stay tuned for more updates and investment opportunities! 🙏
Very few people know today that a steamship once sailed on the waters of Mexico’s largest lake. Her name was Libertad (Freedom), and her splendorous life would end abruptly on March 25, 1889, when she sank carrying 200 passengers.
Libertad was the first steamboat to sail Lake Chapala and one of the greatest symbols of modernity in Western Mexico. The ship was inaugurated in 1868 by the Chapala Lake Steam Navigation Company, founded and managed by Scottish businessman Duncan Cameron.
During its golden years, Libertad was used for Sunday outings and social events from the region’s upper classes. It also carried goods from the area, such as fruits and seeds that would be merchandised to other parts of Mexico through the Ocotlán train station.
Back then, Ocotlán was a strategic city for commerce and travel as it had a modern train station that was part of the national railway network. Ocotlán was the gateway to other parts of Mexico, including Guadalajara, Mexico City and even Ciudad Juárez in the north.
Picture wealthy tourists from Jalisco and neighboring states stepping down from train cars at Ocotlán’s modern train station, eager to be taken to the dock to board Libertad. Once on board, travelers were treated with refreshing drinks and snacks while a band played popular songs of the time.
The steamship made voyages between Ocotlán and La Barca, stopping in Chapala, Jocotepec, Jamay and Tuxcueca. Along the way, tourists enjoyed scenic views that featured mango and papaya orchards, lakeside villages and herons flitting among floating lilies. Thanks to two chain drives that powered the propeller blades at the stern, Libertad could navigate at up to 15 kilometers per hour.
The ship had three spacious levels. The first one housed the boiler, which stored firewood, coal and corncobs, while also providing space for cargo and crew. The second level was dedicated to passengers and could carry up to 100 people. Finally, the third level housed the captain’s cabin.
Reports of the time say that Sundays were particularly busy, with many families looking to board Libertad and sail along the Ribera. It was precisely on a spring Sunday that, due to high demand and relaxed rules, Libertad welcomed more passengers than it could safely host.
Reports from that time say that on the day of the tragedy, the steamship was carrying some 200 passengers, including children. Legend has it that the cause of the disaster was not overbooking but rather a form of divine punishment, as the passengers had desecrated a church in Jamay.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the passengers spent the entire morning sailing. Upon arriving in Jamay, they entered the church and began to dance. Witnesses reported that some of them desecrated the saints by placing cigarettes in their mouths and mocking the religious images.
As the steamship returned to Ocotlán before sunset, intoxicated passengers began dancing and running on an already overloaded upper deck. The violent movements caused the ship to rock, allowing water to enter the vessel.
Reportedly, the ship was approaching the port of Ocotlán at approximately 4:30 pm, as it sailed the Zula River. But some 15 meters from the dock, many passengers — either frightened or eager to disembark — crowded onto the starboard side (bow), causing the ship to list. The vessel then struck a submerged tree trunk, causing those on board to fall into the water. Within minutes, the ship sank completely after water entered the boiler, creating a jet of steam that trapped those on the first deck.
The river was immediately filled with people, with entire families being swept away by the current. Laments and cries for help contrasted sharply with the merriment and laughter of just moments before.
The tragedy claimed the lives of 28 people, including children.
Many townspeople who participated in the rescue efforts were honored as heroes in a special ceremony on Sept. 16, 1889, at the Teatro Degollado in Guadalajara. Fifteen residents of Ocotlán received medals from General Ramón Corona, the state governor.
Following the accident, the vessel was ultimately salvaged and taken to Chapala, where it was blessed in an effort to remove the negative impression left on the victims and residents of Ocotlán. This blessing also aimed to atone for the sacrilege committed by the passengers in the Jamay temple.
Yet, locals refused to board Libertad again, and its owners were obliged to take it to Lake Pátzcuaro in the neighboring state of Michoacán, where it was renovated and renamed as Don Vasco. The boat had a second life and sailed on Pátzcuaro Lake well into the 20th century.
Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. She was born and raised in Guadalajara and covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow her lifestyle blog Dunas y Palmeras.
The post The tragedy of Libertad, Lake Chapala’s luxury steamboat appeared first on Mexico News Daily
