Safran Opens 13th Chihuahua Plant, Adds 800 Jobs

Safran has expanded its aerospace operations in Chihuahua with the inauguration of its 13th facility in the state, a US$7.4 million project that will create 800 jobs and increase production capacity for aircraft electrical systems. The new plant reinforces Chihuahua’s position as Mexico’s largest aerospace manufacturing hub as the state continues attracting investment through its industrial base, skilled workforce, and integration into North American supply chains.

The facility, operated by Safran Electrical & Power ISA, is the company's fifth Electrical & Power plant in Chihuahua City and its 13th production site across the state. The investment supports Safran's strategy to expand capacity at one of its largest global manufacturing hubs.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chihuahua Governor Maru Campos, Safran CEO Olivier Andriès, Safran Mexico CEO Alejandro Cardona Seemann, Safran Chihuahua Executive Vice President Gabriel Morales, and French Ambassador to Mexico Delphine Borione.

Campos said the project reflects continued investor confidence in Chihuahua. "This represents more than creating jobs and investment. It means we are renewing, materializing and reaffirming investors' confidence in the state of Chihuahua," she said during the inauguration.

The project adds 800 jobs to Safran's existing workforce of more than 10,500 employees in Chihuahua, where the company has operated for more than 35 years. Safran Electrical & Power alone employs approximately 5,300 people in the state. The new facility was designed to operate using 100% renewable electricity and incorporates electric climate-control systems intended to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations. 

Safran's Electrical & Power division plays a key role in the company's global aerospace supply chain. Its Chihuahua operations manufacture 95% of the electrical wiring installed on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and house Safran's largest aircraft wiring production center worldwide.

The new facility increases production capacity for commercial aircraft electrical systems while further strengthening Chihuahua's specialization in aerospace manufacturing.

According to figures presented during the inauguration, Chihuahua accounts for 36% of Mexico's gross aerospace production, making it the country's largest aerospace manufacturing state. Its concentration of aerospace suppliers, engineering expertise and specialized production capabilities has continued to attract investment from global manufacturers.

Industry data also show that Chihuahua's industrial real estate market accelerated during the first four months of 2026. Industrial leasing reached 50,000 sq. meters between January and April, representing a 75% increase compared with the same period in 2025. According to Solili, aerospace, logistics, and nearshoring projects accounted for most of the demand.

The aerospace industry accounted for more than 20,000 sq. meters of leased industrial space during the first quarter, with companies including Safran and GKN Aerospace contributing to market activity. The continued expansion of precision manufacturing and specialized aircraft component production is generating additional demand for industrial facilities across the state.

Luis Lizcano, president, Mexican Federation of the Aerospace Industry (FEMIA), previously told Mexico Business News that aerospace clusters require sustained long-term development rather than isolated investments.

"When Chihuahua and Queretaro began building their aerospace industries more than two decades ago, they had limited industrial activity and little international recognition. Their success resulted from sustained promotion, participation in global industry events and consistent efforts to position themselves as investment destinations."

Lizcano said aerospace ecosystems depend on continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development, and industrial capabilities. "Any region has the potential to develop an aerospace ecosystem if it is willing to make the necessary long-term commitment," he said. "Success is not determined by geography alone but by combining investment promotion, infrastructure readiness and workforce development into a coherent strategy."