Jalisco Expands Industrial Capacity With PILA Phase 2

Summary: Jalisco is expanding its industrial and export capacity through the Phase 2 development of Parque Industrial La Laja (PILA) in Zapotlanejo, reflecting sustained demand for manufacturing and logistics infrastructure driven by nearshoring and supply chain regionalization. The project, supported by domestic investment from Grupo SESAJAL and rising foreign direct investment, strengthens the state’s ability to attract manufacturers, exporters and industrial operators seeking access to North American markets. The expansion underscores Jalisco’s growing role as a leading industrial hub, supported by strong industrial absorption, export growth and increasing investment from the United States, Germany and Japan. 

Jalisco continues to strengthen its industrial footprint as the state inaugurated Phase 2 of the Parque Industrial La Laja (PILA) in Zapotlanejo, a project designed to expand manufacturing and export capacity while attracting new investment to one of Mexico’s fastest-growing industrial markets.

The expansion forms part of a broader development plan that will ultimately deliver 24 industrial buildings, more than 47,000m² of covered industrial space and 3.3 MVA of energy capacity. The project is expected to support the arrival of new companies and reinforce Jalisco’s position as a strategic destination for industrial growth, nearshoring and export-oriented manufacturing.

The inauguration was led by Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro, who described the expansion as one of the region’s most important industrial development projects and a reflection of private-sector confidence in the state’s economic potential.

The announcement comes amid a period of strong industrial momentum for Jalisco. The state recently projected US$625 million in investment for the development of more than 800,000m² of industrial parks, responding to sustained demand for industrial space and growing activity across strategic sectors, reported MBN.  

Industrial Expansion Supports Regional Growth

The new phase is part of a three-stage development plan that includes land acquisition, urbanization, specialized infrastructure and the construction of additional industrial facilities. Once fully completed, the industrial complex will provide expanded capacity for companies seeking to establish or grow operations in western Mexico. The development also incorporates specialized electrical infrastructure designed to meet the operational requirements of future tenants and industrial users.

According to state officials, the project strengthens the industrial infrastructure available in Zapotlanejo while enhancing the municipality’s ability to attract productive investment and generate economic activity.

Lemus said projects such as PILA contribute to expanding the state’s export capabilities and creating favorable conditions for new business investment. He added that Jalisco has consolidated competitive advantages in strategic sectors including agroindustry and technology, industries that continue to drive employment generation and regional competitiveness. 

SESAJAL Drives Investment in the Industrial Complex

The expansion is closely tied to the growth strategy of Grupo SESAJAL, the Jalisco-based agroindustrial company that anchors the project. According to project estimates, SESAJAL will have invested a cumulative MX$1.2 billion in the industrial complex by the time all phases are completed. More than MX$400 million is expected to be allocated to the newly inaugurated phase alone.

Íñigo González Covarrubias, President, SESAJAL, said the industrial park expansion reflects the company’s sustained growth and its commitment to continuing operations and investment in Jalisco. The investment highlights the role of domestic companies in driving industrial development alongside foreign capital inflows, particularly as manufacturers and exporters seek additional capacity to serve North American and global markets. 

Industrial Demand Continues to Accelerate

The PILA expansion aligns with broader industrial growth trends across Jalisco, where demand for industrial real estate remains strong. The state recorded a historic industrial absorption of 677,906m² in 2025, representing nearly US$500 million in investment and a 25% increase compared to 2024. New industrial space currently under construction has already been pre-leased, signaling immediate occupancy once projects are delivered and underscoring sustained demand from manufacturers and logistics operators.

The growth reflects increasing confidence among both domestic and international companies operating in the region as supply chains continue to shift closer to North American markets. State officials have linked this momentum to nearshoring opportunities and the need for expanded industrial infrastructure capable of supporting production, logistics and export activities. 

Foreign Investment Strengthens Jalisco’s Position

Industrial development is being reinforced by rising foreign direct investment and export performance across the state. Jalisco reported US$1.26 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025, representing a 14.2% annual increase and exceeding the national growth rate of 10.8%. New investments totaled US$382 million, up 51% year over year, placing the state fourth nationally in attracting new capital projects, reported MBN. 

Manufacturing remained the primary recipient of investment, reaching US$719.6 million, while reinvested earnings totaled US$849.7 million, a 45% increase compared with 2024. The figures suggest that companies already operating in the state continue expanding their production capacity and long-term presence.

The United States, Germany and Japan remained the leading sources of foreign investment, reinforcing Jalisco’s ties to major global manufacturing economies. The state’s export performance has also supported industrial expansion. Jalisco reached US$52.6 billion in exports in 2025, making it Mexico’s leading non-border exporting state and accounting for nearly 9% of national exports.

With projects such as PILA Phase 2 advancing alongside new industrial park developments and rising investment flows, Jalisco is reinforcing its position as one of Mexico’s leading industrial hubs and a key destination for companies seeking to expand manufacturing and export operations.