Saltillo, Ramos Arizpe Emerge as Strategic Hubs for Nearshoring

Saltillo and Ramos Arizpe, two major industrial cities in the northern state of Coahuila, are strengthening their position as strategic centers for global manufacturing, driven by nearshoring trends, electromobility growth, and increased foreign investment. With more than 30 industrial parks housing 329 companies across sectors including automotive, home appliances, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, the region has become a key destination for production and export.

Major corporations operate in the area, including General Motors, which runs a vehicle assembly plant in Ramos Arizpe, as well as Caterpillar, John Deere, Whirlpool, MAHLE, Metalsa, Yanfeng and Lennox.

Saltillo hosts major industrial parks such as Alianza Derramadero Industrial Park, DAVISA Santa Mónica Industrial Park, Amistad Saltillo Sur Industrial Park, and La Angostura Industrial Park. Tenants include Antolin, Saint Gobain, Yokohama, Adient, CIE Automotive, Komatsu, Magna Assembly, and Cooper Standard. In Ramos Arizpe, the DAVISA Santa María Industrial Park, 360 Industrial Park, Ramos Arizpe Industrial Park, Amistad Airport Industrial Park, and Amistad Chuy María Industrial Park host manufacturers including BorgWarner, APTIV, Martinrea, POSCO, LEAR, Lennox, and Sanhua Industries.

According to Héctor Ortega, associate at Citius AG Real Estate Advisors, the two cities constitute the most dynamic industrial submarkets in Coahuila, supported by high construction activity, space absorption and competitive pricing.

“They offer a strategic combination of proximity to the US border, strong logistics connectivity, specialized labor, modern infrastructure and a consolidated supply chain, particularly in advanced manufacturing and automotive,” Ortega said.

The industrial market across both cities exceeds 68 million m2 of Class A, B, and C facilities, with more than 90,000m2 currently under construction. The metropolitan zone competes directly with Nuevo Le0n for foreign direct investment, Ortega noted.

Export Growth Strengthens Regional Leadership

Saltillo posted US$13.42 billion in exports in 2024, a 6.65% increase from the previous year. Leading products included automotive parts (US$5.01 billion), air-conditioning machinery (US$1.53 billion) and seating systems (US$849 million). The United States remains its primary market, followed by Canada and Brazil.

Ramos Arizpe exported US$9.81 billion in 2024, up 9.24% year-over-year. Automotive parts accounted for US$3.51 billion, followed by air-conditioning machinery (US$1.44 billion) and air/vacuum pumps (US$807 million). The United States is the leading destination, followed by Canada and Germany.

Foreign Investment Accelerates Industrial Expansion

New investments reflect growing confidence in the region’s capabilities:

• HCMF (Taiwan): MX$325 million to produce automotive sunroofs in Ramos Arizpe
   

• Julong (China): US$10 million investment in its first plant outside China to manufacture engineering plastics for clients including Stellantis and General Motors
   

• JSP International (Japan): US$25 million investment in a new plant for engineered foams in 360 Industrial Park
   

• AH MANF (Mexico): US$5 million initial investment in Saltillo, plus US$10 million expansion planned
   

• Ariston Group (Italy): MX$157 million investment to expand operations in Saltillo, producing water heaters and solar products by 2026
   

• Weidmann Tecnología Eléctrica (Switzerland): US$30 million investment in Saltillo, creating 750 jobs

Industrial leaders say these developments reinforce the region's position as a national manufacturing hub prepared for future demand. “Saltillo and Ramos Arizpe will remain strategic industrial poles in northern Mexico, with a solid and expanding market ready for future challenges," Ortega said.