Simply Meeting Growth Demand Propels Mexican Market

Q: What role does Mexico play in Turner & Townsend’s portfolio? 

A: Turner & Townsend is a leading global program management and construction consultancy.  We offer independent advice, safeguarding the commercial interests of clients embarking on investment programs across real estate, infrastructure and natural resources. We operate globally in strategic regions, such as Mexico, considered an important hub in the Americas. While our Mexico office is of recent creation, as it began operations in 2017, we have been delivering projects in Mexico for 20 years, and now this is the second largest office and our largest real estate hub in Latin America. This accomplishment was the straightforward result of meeting the growing demand in the country and the expectations of our clients.

Since establishing our presence in the country, we have understood that Mexico has immense potential. There is no other country in Latin America with such a privileged geographical location. Mexico also has a highly qualified workforce and committed, talented professionals, which creates a favorable environment for growth and progress

Mexico is the center where we see the greatest expansion potential in Latin America, as it is the most attractive country in the region for companies to invest in terms of its proximity with the United States. Each year, Turner and Townsend focuses on expanding its operations, bringing in more managers, increasing capacity, and providing training to its professionals

Q: What are the main challenges your clients in Mexico face and how are you helping them?

A: In our experience, there are two groups of investors: those who have already established in the country and those who are yet to come. Those who already operate in Mexico, are confident to continue investing due to their familiarity with the country. These companies continue to invest and seek new opportunities; they are comfortable handling the challenges that may arise.

On the other hand, investors who are having their first time in the country tend to be more reserved.Despite Mexico offering numerous advantages to foreign investors, there are aspects yet to be further developed to provide stakeholders with more assurance. A secure regulatory framework is fundamental in any country; rules must be clear andresolute, particularly since  investments are made for the long term.

Based on the parameters provided by investors, Turner & Townsend evaluates feasibility. Investors often look for advice regarding construction costs in the Mexican market. However, obstacles such as the unavailability of critical resources are important aspects in the decision making process of companies.

Q: What challenges and opportunities have you identified in the Mexican construction sector regarding sustainability and infrastructure efficiency?

A: We have a clear purpose in making a difference: transforming performance for a green, inclusive, and productive world. Following this commitment, we have been working on decarbonization and sustainability in recent years, covering various sectors and projects in Latin America. We work with mining companies to decarbonize their operations. We have also supported multiple clients in the implementation and execution of their Net Zero strategies across their portfolios. 

We are also committed to green building certifications, such as LEED, EDGE, and WELL. Sustainability is an integral part of our approach and we continue to support our clients to achieve their sustainability goals. We developed a tool to perform cost estimates that also calculates CO2 emissions, allowing clients to consider the carbon impacts of the materials they use and adjust the project to achieve a more carbon-neutral result. This approach is transforming the way people design a project, as they must incorporate these concepts from the beginning to achieve better results.

Businesses that once focused primarily on aesthetics and functionality now incorporate crucial environmental considerations. This highlights the importance of rethinking material choices and construction methods to reduce their carbon footprint.

Growing ESG requirements are driving many organizations to accelerate the implementation of their sustainability and Net Zero targets, and that is exactly where we support them.

Turner & Townsend is a global consultancy that specializes in project and program management, cost and commercial management, project controls and consulting across real estate, infrastructure and natural resources sectors.