Aguascalientes Strengthens Security, Talent for Investment

Summary: Aguascalientes is strengthening its investment strategy through improved security capabilities, workforce development and new industrial infrastructure, including the San Marcos Valley industrial park, as the state seeks to attract manufacturers and expand its role in Mexico's evolving industrial and supply chain landscape.

The Industrial Cluster of Aguascalientes (CLIA) is strengthening its focus on security, talent development and industrial competitiveness as the state expands its capacity to attract manufacturing and investment projects.

During its eighth Ordinary Assembly of Members, held at the C5i security and intelligence center, CLIA reviewed initiatives designed to strengthen the capabilities of companies operating in Aguascalientes. The agenda included industrial policy challenges, workforce development, collaboration between academia and industry, cybersecurity and the infrastructure needed to support continued industrial expansion.

The meeting comes as Aguascalientes adds new industrial capacity through projects such as San Marcos Valley, a 140-hectare industrial park expected to attract between 20 and 30 domestic and international companies, reported MBN. Together, the initiatives reflect a broader effort to combine physical infrastructure with institutional capacity, skilled labor and security conditions that can support long-term investment.

For companies evaluating new locations in Mexico, the combination of these factors is increasingly important as manufacturers reassess supply chains, access to talent and the operational conditions surrounding new facilities. 

Security Becomes Part of the Investment Agenda

As industrial activity expands, CLIA is placing greater emphasis on the institutional conditions that support business operations.

Members of the cluster visited the C5i facilities and reviewed the center's infrastructure, technology and operational capabilities. Michelle Olmos, general director of the center, welcomed the business representatives during the meeting.

CLIA identified security as an important factor for investment attraction, employment generation and business competitiveness. For industrial companies, security increasingly extends beyond physical protection to include cybersecurity, emergency response capabilities and the reliability of public institutions.

According to information shared by CLIA, the Cyber Police of Aguascalientes ranks first nationally in responding to reports, based on data from the National Registry of Cybersecurity Incidents. The State Police was also identified among the corporations receiving strong evaluations for public trust and effectiveness, according to information cited from Mexico's National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI.

The cluster also highlighted recognition received by the C5 of Aguascalientes from NENA Mexico and reported that the state's 911 service achieved a 98% satisfaction rate in an evaluation referenced from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System.

These capabilities can provide companies with additional certainty when evaluating industrial locations, particularly as manufacturers become more dependent on digital systems and interconnected supply chains. 

Talent Development Supports Industrial Growth

Security is only one component of the state's competitiveness strategy. The availability of qualified workers remains another major consideration for companies establishing or expanding manufacturing operations.

CLIA used its assembly to review current industrial policy challenges and progress made through its working groups. Members also discussed the Dual Model, an initiative designed to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions and industry.

The model seeks to align workforce training more closely with the requirements of companies, helping students develop skills that correspond to current and future industrial demand.

This relationship between education and industry is becoming increasingly relevant as manufacturers adopt more automation, digital technologies and advanced production processes. Companies expanding in sectors such as automotive manufacturing, electronics and technology require workers with specialized technical skills, while educational institutions face pressure to adapt programs to changing industrial requirements.

CLIA also reviewed progress on the CLIA Award 2026, an initiative that will recognize best practices, talent and business projects associated with the industrial sector.

The program is intended to promote higher standards and strengthen capabilities across Aguascalientes' productive ecosystem. For companies, industry recognition programs can also create opportunities to share operational practices and highlight projects related to innovation, workforce development and competitiveness. 

San Marcos Valley Adds Industrial Capacity

The agenda surrounding security and talent coincides with continued investment in industrial real estate across Aguascalientes.

San Marcos Valley, a new industrial park developed by Lintel, has opened its first phase as part of a planned MX$1.7 billion investment. The 140-hectare project is expected to attract between 20 and 30 domestic and international companies once fully developed.

The park will be developed in five stages and is expected to provide more than 129 hectares of commercially available industrial space. Its first phase includes 27.5 hectares of urbanized land ready for commercialization and occupancy, reported MBN. 

The development is targeting companies in automotive manufacturing, electronic components, technology, advanced manufacturing, health, logistics and warehousing.

Infrastructure at the site includes electricity, water, sanitary drainage, voice and data connections, industrial roads and controlled access. These services are designed to provide companies with ready-to-use industrial infrastructure and reduce some of the initial requirements associated with establishing new operations.

The project also benefits from Aguascalientes' position in central Mexico, where manufacturers can access transportation networks, suppliers and an established industrial base. 

Diversification Expands Investment Opportunities

The tenant strategy for San Marcos Valley reflects the diversification of industrial activity taking place in Aguascalientes and across central Mexico.

While the automotive industry remains an important component of the state's manufacturing base, the park is also targeting electronics, technology and advanced manufacturing companies. This broader approach could allow Aguascalientes to compete for projects associated with changing supply chains and the growing demand for specialized industrial facilities.

Developers estimate that the companies eventually established at San Marcos Valley could generate approximately 9,000 direct jobs and 36,000 indirect positions, representing a potential total employment impact of 45,000 jobs, reported MBN. 

The availability of prepared industrial land could become increasingly important as companies seek to shorten the time required to establish operations. Ready infrastructure can reduce development requirements and provide manufacturers with faster access to utilities, transportation networks and industrial suppliers.