Tenneco Invests in New Production Line in Aguascalientes

In an effort to boost automotive manufacturing and employment, Tenneco, a global leader in automotive components and technologies, inaugurated a new production line at its Ciudad Industrial plant in Aguascalientes on Wednesday, marking an investment of MX$426.8 million.

The expansion will increase the company’s valve production from 50 million to nearly 85 million units annually, officials said. Tenneco, which specializes in designing, manufacturing, and distributing a wide range of components for vehicles, including exhaust systems, emissions control technologies, ride performance products (like shock absorbers and suspension systems), and other automotive solutions, employs around 1,300 people across its three plants in Aguascalientes.

Governor Tere Jiménez, who presided over the inauguration, said the project reflects confidence in the state’s workforce and business environment. “Companies like Tenneco make long-term decisions here because they find rule of law, legal certainty, and a government that promotes and facilitates economic growth,” said Jiménez.

Jiménez noted that Mexico is the top automotive supplier to the United States and highlighted Aguascalientes’ role as a major vehicle producer and manufacturer of specialized components.

Nathan Bowen, Tenneco’s Executive Vice President and President of Clean Air, said the company has invested US$65 million in its Aguascalientes plants over the past five years. He praised the state’s support and the local workforce’s skills. “The government gives us certainty, confidence, and security to continue investing,” Bowen said.

Ricardo Antonio Hernández, Director, Tenneco’s Powertrain plant in Aguascalientes, said the new line will expand the company’s domestic and international client base.

State Minister of Economic Development Esaú Garza de Vega emphasized the government’s commitment to making Aguascalientes an attractive destination for investment. “We want to be partners in the success of companies in our state,” he said.

The inauguration was attended by local officials, including Aguascalientes Mayor Leonardo Montañez and Salvador Alcalá, President of the State Economic Development Commission, alongside Tenneco executives Alfredo Alonso, Frederick Herz, Nora Heyner, Víctor Guerrero, Michael Bugbee, Vincent Palisson, and Trevor Groh.

Tenneco serves both OEMs and the aftermarket, providing replacement parts and performance products for existing vehicles. The company has operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, making it a significant player in the automotive supply chain.