Jalisco Leads Mexico’s Push for Smarter Industrial Growth

Real estate developers, government officials, investors, and logistics leaders met at Expo Naves y Parques Industriales to discuss the present and future of Mexico’s industrial ecosystem. The event, held on June 4-5, underscored the country’s readiness to attract new investments and accelerate the relocation of supply chains through modern infrastructure, intelligent planning, and strategic collaboration.

“We are ready to bring new investment into the country, but more importantly, to relocate investment already here,” says Marlon Martínez, General Director, Territorial Coordination for Economic Development Centers for Well-being (SE).

Many investments are designed in alignment with Plan México, which will launch 14 new economic development hubs designed to integrate industrial parks across the country, boost local economies, and ensure equitable regional growth.

Jalisco: Mexico’s New Industrial Powerhouse

Jalisco, for example, is taking an active role in supporting the industrial real estate sector. During the event, municipalities like El Salto, Zapopan, and Tlaquepaque were cited as growth corridors for new industrial developments, ranging from advanced manufacturing to logistics and chip production.

“Investment in Jalisco has grown steadily, making it an attractive hub for companies looking to establish or expand operations,” says Bruno Martínez, President, Association of Industrial Parks of Jalisco (APIEJ). 

With 22 industries, 19 of them export-oriented, and more than 17 million m2 of industrial real estate inventory developed over 60 years, Jalisco is a national benchmark for industrial diversification, supported by strong logistics, infrastructure, and human capital.

Building Smarter: Integration Across the Development Chain

During the event, speakers called for greater integration across all phases of industrial real estate development. Experts emphasized involving all stakeholders, from planning and engineering to CFOs and operations teams, from the start of a project to ensure that long-term operational goals are met. Lack of communication between brokers, developers, and operational teams often results in costly design flaws or compliance risks. 

The shift toward automation and robotics was another priority. Several speakers pointed out the limitations of older industrial parks that lack the structural requirements for automated operations. Issues such as floor flatness and load-bearing capabilities were noted as critical factors when planning facilities for robotic systems. Developers are now adopting advanced construction techniques, including better-quality concrete and fewer expansion joints, to meet these emerging demands.

Some companies have even begun to co-invest in technology firms to ensure seamless coordination between building design, automation, and operational needs.

One of the most pressing concerns is energy availability and distribution. While Mexico has sufficient energy generation capacity, distribution remains a bottleneck for new industrial developments. Speakers acknowledged small advances such as permits for distributed solar generation and simplified auto-supply schemes, but emphasized the need for collective advocacy and regulatory reform.

Only by aligning developers, operators, technology providers, and policymakers can Mexico overcome these systemic challenges and enable the next wave of industrial growth, said experts.

Facility Management as a Strategic Tool

In parallel sessions, industry leaders said that facility management (FM) was more than just building maintenance; it is a strategic function that maximizes asset productivity and extends property lifecycle. Modern FM strategies are built on customized models, performance KPIs, integrated technologies, and certified suppliers.

A major obstacle, however, is the lack of specialized providers who can meet the technical, regulatory, and operational standards required for advanced industrial spaces. Providers must align closely with clients to understand the operational context, use the right technology, and ensure compliance with certifications and safety standards.

In a market plagued by rising land prices and tight availability in prime locations, facility managers are now key to preserving asset value and ensuring that industrial parks evolve to meet next-generation automation and sustainability demands.