IBM Marks 50 Years in Guadalajara, Driving Mexico’s Tech Growth

IBM celebrated the 50th anniversary of its technology campus in Guadalajara, marking five decades of continuous innovation and contribution to Mexico’s research and development ecosystem. The site, originally established as a manufacturing plant, now functions as a regional hub for hybrid cloud services and AI.

“Today our region serves as an innovation center, and IBM in Jalisco remains a key pillar for the economy and the community,” says Fausto Palma, Director, IBM Guadalajara Technology Campus. 

Established in 1975, the IBM Guadalajara campus represents the corporation’s first large-scale technology investment in Latin America. Initially focused on hardware manufacturing, it evolved into a multi-service global center as IBM transitioned toward software, cloud, and data-driven solutions. Over time, the facility became central to IBM’s global strategy to integrate AI, automation, and hybrid cloud models across industries.

In recent years, Guadalajara has positioned itself as a national center for technology corporations, research institutions, and startups. According to the Government of Jalisco, the state’s technology and innovation sectors contribute significantly to local GDP, supported by anchor companies such as IBM. This ecosystem promotes collaboration between academia, private industry, and public institutions, consolidating Jalisco’s role as a benchmark for technological innovation in the country.

The IBM Guadalajara campus operates six Centers of Excellence dedicated to consulting, infrastructure management, finance, software development, and digital transformation services. These centers support operations in North America, the European Union, and Asia, strengthening Mexico’s position as a competitive provider of high-value technology services.

Throughout its history, the site has contributed more than 500 patents to IBM’s global intellectual property portfolio and received over 50 industry recognitions and international certifications. Three of IBM’s four Master Inventors in Mexico are based at this facility, including the first woman in the country to receive the distinction. These accomplishments underscore the site’s contribution to research, intellectual property creation, and talent development in the region.

“We understand that science, innovation, and technology drive the state’s prosperity,” says Governor of Jalisco Pablo Lemus, adding that anchor corporations such as IBM reinforce Jalisco’s position as a regional technology leader.

IBM’s presence in Mexico extends beyond technology development to sustainability initiatives. The company recently expanded its Green Manufacturing program, integrating AI and data analytics to optimize industrial processes and promote energy efficiency. According to IBM, these efforts align with global trends that connect sustainability to operational efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness.

 “The campus is a hub of innovation where the future of technology in Mexico is designed, shaped, and created,” says Mauricio Torres, President and General Manager, IBM Mexico.

The 50th anniversary of IBM in Guadalajara marks both a milestone and a reaffirmation of the company’s strategic presence in Mexico’s technology sector. As IBM continues to expand its focus on hybrid cloud, AI, and sustainable data management, the Guadalajara campus remains integral to its global operations.