Nuevo Leon Leads Mexico in Manufacturing Job Creation

Summary: Nuevo Leon strengthened its position as Mexico’s leading manufacturing hub by generating nearly 30% of all manufacturing jobs created nationwide between January and May 2026, reaching a record 675,000 formal manufacturing workers. The growth highlights the continued concentration of nearshoring-related industrial investment in northern Mexico, particularly across automotive, electronics, appliances, food processing and heavy vehicle manufacturing supply chains. Naturgy’s €300 million investment to expand the state’s natural gas network through 2030 addresses rising industrial energy demand and reinforces the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term manufacturing competitiveness and investment attraction. 

Nuevo Leon reinforced its position as Mexico’s industrial powerhouse after generating 19,966 new manufacturing jobs between January and May 2026, accounting for nearly 30% of all manufacturing employment created nationwide during the period. The strong labor performance comes as Spanish energy company Naturgy announced plans to invest more than €300 million through 2030 to expand and modernize its natural gas distribution network across the state, supporting growing industrial demand.

According to official data from Mexico’s Social Security Institute (IMSS), Nuevo Leon reached a historic high of 675,000 formal manufacturing workers, the largest manufacturing workforce of any state in the country.

“The results demonstrate the confidence that national and international companies maintain in investing, expanding and generating employment opportunities in Nuevo Leon, driven by the competitiveness, talent and infrastructure that characterize the state,” said Betsabé Rocha, Ministry of Economy, Nuevo Leon. 

Nuevo Leon Accounts for Nearly One-Third of Manufacturing Jobs Created Nationwide

The state’s industrial momentum significantly outpaced other manufacturing hubs across Mexico. Nuevo Leon’s 19,966 new manufacturing jobs nearly doubled the performance of Jalisco, which recorded 10,513 positions during the same period.

The state accounted for 29.4% of the 67,722 manufacturing jobs created nationwide between January and May. Its employment gains also surpassed the combined manufacturing job creation of Sonora, which added 4,037 positions, the State of Mexico with 3,535 and Guanajuato with 3,244.

The figures highlight the continued concentration of industrial investment in northern Mexico as companies expand production capacity and strengthen regional supply chains linked to global manufacturing markets. 

Manufacturing Remains the Main Driver of Employment Growth

The strong manufacturing performance also fueled broader employment growth across Nuevo Leon’s economy.

Within the state, manufacturing represented more than 51% of all jobs created during the first five months of the year. The sector generated 19,966 new positions, followed by services with 10,914 jobs and construction with 8,928.

Across all economic sectors, Nuevo Leon created 38,566 new formal jobs between January and May 2026, reinforcing its role as one of Mexico’s leading economic engines and a preferred destination for industrial investment. 

Naturgy Expands Infrastructure to Support Industrial Growth

As manufacturing activity accelerates, energy infrastructure has become a strategic priority for sustaining future industrial expansion in the state. 

Naturgy announced it will invest more than €300 million through 2030 to expand and modernize its natural gas distribution network in strategic municipalities across Nuevo Leon. The commitment was announced following a meeting in Madrid between Naturgy Executive President Francisco Reynés and Nuevo Leon Governor Samuel García, reported MBN. 

The investment is one of Naturgy’s largest commitments to Mexican infrastructure in recent years and comes as energy demand in Nuevo Leon continues to grow alongside industrial activity.

Reynés was joined by Pedro Larrea, Director General of Networks, and Alejandro Peón, Country Manager for Mexico. The discussions focused on developing infrastructure projects that can support the state’s expanding industrial base. 

Natural Gas Network Supports Industrial Competitiveness

The infrastructure expansion builds on a network that already serves as the backbone of Nuevo Leon’s industrial ecosystem.

Naturgy has operated in Mexico for nearly 30 years and currently serves more than 1 million users in Nuevo Leon. The state possesses the country’s most extensive natural gas distribution infrastructure, with more than 11,000km of installed network, representing approximately one-sixth of Mexico’s total gas distribution system. The network also includes seven City Gates and 11 Vehicular Natural Gas stations.

Monterrey, home to approximately 90% of Nuevo Leon’s population and Mexico’s second-largest metropolitan area, remains a focal point for industrial activity and energy consumption.

Governor García’s visit to Madrid forms part of a broader international investment promotion strategy led by Invest Monterrey, which has expanded trade missions across Europe, Asia, and North America. The agency continues to promote Nuevo Leon’s strengths in automotive manufacturing, electronics, food processing, home appliances, and heavy vehicle production.