Swiss Companies to Invest US$94.1 Million in San Luis Potosi

Swiss companies Franke and ABB have channeled a combined investment of US$94.1 million into San Luis Potosi for the construction of a new plant and the expansion of existing operations. This capital injection strengthens the state's position as a strategic industrial development hub in Mexico, particularly relevant within the nearshoring context.

The companies' decision to invest in the region is based on the state's economic dynamism and competitive advantages. Ricardo Gallardo, Governor of San Luis Potosi, says the arrival of these investments "confirms international confidence in San Luis Potosi as an attractive destination for the manufacturing industry."

Jesus Gonzalez, Head, Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO), says that ABB's expansion reflects the positive momentum of the entity. He adds that it consolidates the state as a strategic location for investment. 

"This growth is in addition to other recent expansions in the country, for example a new office in Nuevo Leon and the expansion of an engineering center in Yucatan, consolidating ABB as a key player in Mexico's industrial transformation," says Arturo Castillo, Country Holding Officer, ABB Mexico.

San Luis Potosi has established itself as a central hub for manufacturing and logistics due to its prime geographical location, which provides direct access to major North American trade corridors, reports MSN. 

Investment Details and Projections

Franke, which specializes in systems and solutions for residential and professional kitchens, has invested US$82 million in a new plant at the WTC Industrial Park, reports Lider Empresarial. The facility covers an area of 31,000m2. This space includes 16,000m2 for production and 10,000m2 for warehousing. The operation will initially create 200 direct jobs, with the potential to expand to 500 positions.

Production at the new facility will focus on commercial kitchen equipment, including refrigeration solutions, shelving, and custom fabrication lines. This operation is designed to supply the North American market, optimizing logistics and delivery times.

Industrial technology company ABB has allocated US$12.1 million to expand its existing plant in the same WTC Industrial Park, reports Cluster Industrial. The expansion adds 10,000m2 to its production campus, representing a 50% increase in its installed capacity. This project will generate 223 new jobs. These positions are in addition to the more than 1,600 people the company already employs in the region.

The ABB plant in San Luis Potosi specializes in manufacturing medium and low voltage equipment, robotics systems, and electrical automation solutions. These products are critical for key sectors such as automotive, food and beverage, renewable energy, mining, and data centers.

This expansion will allow the company "to better meet customer needs with high performance solutions that comply with international standards such as CSA, UL, and IEC," says Alejandro Flores, Site Manager, ABB ELDS San Luis Potosi.