Infrastructure Development to Support High-Tech Manufacturing

Technology, manufacturing processes, and industrial infrastructure are three inseparable pillars of modern industry. While each evolves at its own pace, true competitiveness emerges only when they advance together. As manufacturing expands into high-tech fields—automation, semiconductors, aerospace, electromobility, biotechnology—industrial infrastructure must adapt to increasingly specialized requirements.

Evolution of Manufacturing Technologies and Infrastructure Needs

The rapid transformation of manufacturing has created infrastructure demands radically different from those of traditional industries. Production plants are no longer just physical spaces; they must integrate robotics, digital twins, additive manufacturing, and AI-assisted design, requiring high flexibility. These technologies depend on robust data networks, reliable energy, and modular layouts that adapt to shorter life cycles.

“Companies have reconfigured processes and established new plants or specific production lines for electrification. While there have been specific investments for light electric vehicles, the main evolution has come from established companies adjusting their processes and technology,” said Daniel Hernández, CEO, Querétaro Automotive Cluster.

In semiconductors, production requires cleanroom, ultrapure water, and reliable renewable energy. Electromobility demands reconfigured factories, charging infrastructure, expanded power grids, and access to critical raw materials. Aerospace manufacturing, though still artisanal in part, is shifting toward additive processes and predictive analytics, requiring highly specialized facilities.

“Mexico ranks among the Top 10 countries in aerospace investment, with major groups producing high-tech components and supporting MRO operations. However, the country still lacks a facility capable of building and launching a complete aircraft,” explains Lino Suárez, Owner, Mazatlán Aerospace Park.

Infrastructure must also address cybersecurity.As manufacturing becomes interconnected, digital resilience is as vital as energy and water.

“Cybersecurity is fundamental because production and logistics systems are linked to networks and clouds. Protecting information is crucial not only for finances but for safeguarding processes. Automotive plants, being highly connected, require strict certification and data protection protocols,” said Armando Cortés, former General Director, INA.

According to SEMI, the semiconductor industry will reach US$1 trillion by 2030, driven by AI, automotive, and consumer electronics. BloombergNEF estimates annual electromobility investment will exceed US$616 billion by 2030. Yet challenges remain: TSMC notes a single chip plant consumes up to 20 million liters of water daily and as much electricity as one million homes. Meanwhile, Mexico faces structural constraints: 57% of its territory is under drought conditions (CONAGUA) and over 70% of its energy matrix still depends on fossil fuels. Addressing water and energy infrastructure will be decisive for attracting high-tech investment.

Regional Capacities to Meet Global Demands

Globally, few regions meet these rigorous conditions. In East Asia, strong public investment has made Taiwan and South Korea leaders in advanced manufacturing. In Europe, Germany and the Netherlands pair precision industries with renewable energy and circular economy models. In North America, the US promotes reshoring through incentives like the CHIPS and Science Act, while Mexico positions itself as a nearshoring hub for automotive and aerospace.

In Mexico, the north and Bajio regions offer strong industrial parks and proximity to the US but struggle with water scarcity, limited energy capacity, and housing shortages. Overcoming these bottlenecks is critical to sustaining investment.

“In Mexico, our plants in Morelos and Nuevo Leon allow us to maintain a partially local supply chain that complements our global operations. This combination has guaranteed the availability of raw materials, even during critical times like the pandemic,” said Miguel Pacheco, President, Bridgestone Latin America North.

Despite a 12% decline in FDI flows to Latin America (UNCTAD, 2024), Mexico has seen rising greenfield projects. The industrial park sector is booming: AMPIP forecasts that nearshoring will attract up to 453 new companies in 2024–2025, after hosting 830 foreign tenants since 2018. An additional US$6 billion in industrial park investment is expected by 2025.

Infrastructure Projects Driven by High-Tech Manufacturing

The growth of high-tech industries is fueling demand for large-scale infrastructure. Developers are building smart industrial parks with clean energy, advanced water systems, and full digital connectivity. Logistics hubs—ports, specialized airports, inland terminals—are also being modernized to support precise supply chains.

Electromobility is driving gigafactories, EV charging corridors, and renewable plants. The semiconductor sector is reshaping industrial real estate as countries compete for multibillion-dollar fabs.

“Encouraging energy-intensive industries to grow in restricted areas is complex. For instance, Sonora has surplus energy, but transmission infrastructure is lacking,” explained José Robledo, Commercial Director at Tuto Power.

Nearshoring is already straining northern Mexico’s power grids, exposing water scarcity, and raising calls for urban planning that integrates housing, services, and industry.

“For nearly five years, industrial parks have faced energy shortages, leading to lost projects. Incentives help, but long-term development strategies are essential,” said Hernán Montemayor, CEO of Roca Desarrollos.

Operational demand has reached 13,000 MW, and new industrial parks will require 3,000 MW more by 2029 (Forbes México). Yet transmission expansion has lagged: the grid grew just 0.17% between 2020–2022, while power outages per user rose 38% in 2023 (AMPIP).

Regions that anticipate infrastructure needs—energy, water, digital, and cybersecurity—will secure their place in the future of global manufacturing. Those that fail risk being sidelined in industries that will define economic leadership in the decades ahead.