CELO Opens Guanajuato Plant for North America Supply

Summary: CELO’s new manufacturing plant in Guanajuato expands Mexico’s role in North America’s regionalized supply chains, increasing local production capacity for automotive, electronics, medical technology, and industrial sectors amid sustained nearshoring activity. The investment reinforces the Bajio region’s position as a strategic manufacturing corridor, while supporting Guanajuato’s broader effort to attract industrial investment, strengthen local supply chains and expand automotive and advanced manufacturing output tied to US demand. 

CELO inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Guanajuato with annual production capacity of up to 250 million screws, strengthening the company’s supply capabilities for North America across automotive, electronics, medical technology and industrial sectors.

The new facility, located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Queretaro, spans 2,238m2 and integrates offices, production areas and warehouse space. The plant is equipped with advanced machinery and holds ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications, standards widely used in the manufacturing and automotive industries.

The expansion marks a significant step in CELO’s regional growth strategy and reinforces its long-term commitment to Mexico, where the company has operated since 2013. The company said the facility was designed to improve operational excellence and enhance responsiveness to customers across North America. The investment also reflects ongoing efforts by manufacturers to regionalize supply chains and expand production capacity in Mexico as nearshoring activity continues to reshape industrial operations across North America. 

Manufacturing Expansion Strengthens Regional Operations

Before launching the manufacturing operation, CELO operated in Mexico through a logistics center and commercial office. The company began developing local manufacturing capabilities last year, and the new plant formally consolidates those operations.

With the addition of the Guanajuato facility, CELO expands its global manufacturing network, which includes operations in Spain, the United States, China and Germany, supported by 10 logistics centers across four continents.

The company said the expanded infrastructure will improve flexibility, shorten response times and strengthen supply capabilities for high-performance fastening solutions in multiple industrial markets.

The plant’s location in the Bajio region also reinforces one of Mexico’s most important industrial corridors, which continues to attract automotive and advanced manufacturing suppliers due to its integrated logistics infrastructure and concentration of industrial activity. 

Guanajuato Continues Investment Momentum

CELO’s expansion comes as Guanajuato accelerates investment attraction efforts across manufacturing sectors. State authorities recently announced that Guanajuato secured 49 investment projects totaling more than US$3.725 billion, equivalent to 46.5% of the state’s six-year investment target and representing more than 11,600 committed jobs, reported MBN. 

Under the administration of Governor Libia García, the state has focused on strengthening competitiveness, expanding industrial capacity and promoting regional economic development. Through the Ministry of Economy, authorities continue supporting domestic and foreign companies seeking to establish or expand operations in the state.

Claudia Villaseñor, Guanajuato’s Minister of Economy, said the state will continue promoting “targeted, complementary and sustainable investments” that strengthen local supply chains and support inclusive economic growth. The investment projects are distributed across municipalities including Apaseo el Grande, Silao, San Miguel de Allende, León, Irapuato, Guanajuato, San José Iturbide, Abasolo, Celaya, Romita, Villagrán and Salamanca.

Authorities said the geographic diversification strategy supports balanced regional growth while strengthening local economies and industrial value chains. 

Automotive Industry Drives Industrial Growth

The state’s investment momentum is closely tied to continued expansion in the automotive industry, which remains Guanajuato’s largest industrial sector. According to the latest Automotive Industry Mapping in Guanajuato report by Cluster Industrial B2B, vehicle production in the state is projected to reach 979,613 light vehicles in 2026, representing an 11.64% increase compared to 877,463 units produced in 2025.

Guanajuato currently hosts eight original equipment manufacturers and 2,549 companies operating across 26 municipalities, employing more than 110,000 workers. In 2024, the automotive sector represented approximately 50% of the state’s GDP and nearly 80% of total exports, which reached US$24.537 billion.

Vehicle exports are projected to increase from 768,643 units in 2025 to 805,477 units in 2026, primarily destined for the United States market.

The report also highlighted Guanajuato’s role within North America’s automotive supply chain, supported by integrated manufacturing and logistics infrastructure that continues attracting suppliers and production investments. Growth in the sector extends beyond vehicle assembly into auto parts manufacturing and electrified mobility. Guanajuato ranked second nationally in auto parts production between January and November 2025, accounting for 13.7% of Mexico’s total output during the period.

The state produced US$15.007 billion in auto parts during the first 11 months of 2025, with forecasts projecting US$16.762 billion in 2026. Authorities also reported growing investment in electrified mobility, including suppliers focused on battery manufacturing, electric drivetrain systems and thermal management technologies. Sales of electrified vehicles in the state reached 6,101 units in 2025 and are projected to increase to 6,925 units in 2026.

In total, Guanajuato attracted US$446.52 million in automotive investments across 42 projects in 2025, generating 4,157 jobs and more than 454,505m2 of industrial construction. 

Food and Beverage Investments Add Diversification

Beyond automotive manufacturing, Guanajuato is also attracting investment in food and beverage production. PepsiCo recently inaugurated a new Sabritas plant in Celaya with an investment exceeding US$467 million as part of the company’s broader US$2 billion investment plan in Mexico between 2025 and 2028, reported MBN. 

The facility adds 66,500t of annual production capacity and includes production lines for brands such as Sabritas, Doritos, Cheetos and Ruffles. The plant also incorporates sustainability features including water recirculation systems, rainwater harvesting, solar panels and LED lighting.

The project supports regional agricultural supply chains through sourcing relationships with more than 40,000 Mexican producers. PepsiCo purchases approximately 20% of Mexico’s potato production while also sourcing corn, wheat, bananas and cocoa domestically.

Operations in Guanajuato now account for nearly 2,900 jobs, including 210 direct positions at the new plant and approximately 800 indirect jobs. State officials said Guanajuato will continue promoting investment opportunities and supporting industrial expansion projects across sectors as part of its long-term economic development strategy.