Zebra Technologies Opens Manufacturing Plant in Queretaro

Summary: New investments by Zebra Technologies and QSM Semiconductores in Querétaro highlight the state’s growing role as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, supply chain technology and semiconductor production. The projects expand Mexico’s capacity in thermal printing supplies, IoT-enabled logistics solutions and MEMS semiconductor manufacturing, supporting industries such as automotive, retail, healthcare and electronics. These investments reflect broader nearshoring trends and underscore how Mexico’s industrial clusters, digital infrastructure and skilled workforce are attracting high-tech manufacturing and strengthening North American supply chains.

Zebra Technologies inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in Quereétaro with an investment of MX$185.9 million (about US$10 million) and the creation of 78 jobs, marking the company’s first supplies production facility in Latin America. The new plant will manufacture thermal printing ribbons and related printing supplies, expanding Zebra’s regional manufacturing footprint and improving its ability to serve customers across Latin America with shorter delivery times and lower logistics costs.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Marco Antonio Del Prete Tercero, Minister of Sustainable Development, Queretaro (SEDESU), who said the project reflects continued confidence from global companies in the state’s business environment and industrial ecosystem. “Projects like this confirm Queretaro’s capacity to attract international investment and generate opportunities for our workforce,” Del Prete said during the opening ceremony. 

First Zebra Supplies Plant in Latin America

As part of Zebra’s regional growth strategy, the new facility will serve as a manufacturing hub for thermal printing consumables used in industries such as logistics, retail, healthcare and manufacturing. The plant represents Zebra’s first supply production operation in Latin America, allowing the company to localize production and respond more efficiently to regional demand.

Del Prete said the facility will manufacture supplies using international quality standards while relying on Mexican talent, strengthening the local manufacturing base while supporting major industrial and logistics projects throughout the region. State officials emphasized that attracting investment projects that combine industrial growth with environmental responsibility remains a priority for Querétaro’s economic development strategy.

The decision to establish the plant in Queretaro reflects the company’s long-term strategy to expand its operations in Latin America, according to Ernesto Hernández, Vice President of Sales, Zebra Technologies. Hernández said the facility will not only generate employment but also include an experience center and training area designed to strengthen operational capabilities and technical expertise across the region.

Hernández added that the investment reinforces Zebra’s commitment to sustainability and technological development, which are central pillars of the company’s global strategy. Zebra’s solutions play a key role in industries undergoing rapid digital transformation, particularly those integrating automation, advanced data capture and intelligent asset tracking.

The expansion also reflects broader industrial trends shaping modern manufacturing and supply chains. Zebra’s operations are closely linked to technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), industrial automation and intelligent logistics systems that enable real-time tracking of goods, equipment and production processes. These technologies are increasingly critical as companies seek greater visibility and efficiency across supply chains, particularly in the context of nearshoring and regionalized production strategies across North America.

With the new facility, Queretaro adds another specialized manufacturing project focused on supporting industrial technology and supply chain operations, reinforcing its position as a leading investment destination in Mexico.

Semiconductor Investment Expands Queretaro’s High-Tech Ecosystem

The opening of the Zebra facility comes as Queretaro continues to attract advanced manufacturing and technology investment, including projects in the semiconductor sector. One example is the expansion of QSM Semiconductores, which recently launched its first manufacturing plant in Mexico with an investment of MX$777 million (about US$45 million) and the creation of 210 specialized jobs.

Located in the Technological Innovation Industrial Park, the facility focuses on high-precision semiconductor manufacturing and represents a step forward for Mexico’s participation in global semiconductor supply chains, reported MBN. 

The new QSM facility specializes in semiconductor production using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, which is widely used in sensors, integrated circuits and precision electronic components. MEMS devices play an essential role in industries such as automotive manufacturing, medical technology and consumer electronics.

By establishing MEMS manufacturing capacity in Queretaro, QSM aims to strengthen Mexico’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem and increase local value-added production in a strategic technology sector.

During a tour of the facility, Alejandro Franco Rodríguez, director of QSM Mexico, said the company’s broader goal is to help develop a national semiconductor ecosystem. “Our purpose as a company is to trigger a national semiconductor ecosystem,” Franco said. “That means continued investment, more high-value jobs and technological development.”

Beyond manufacturing, the project seeks to expand Mexico’s participation across multiple stages of the semiconductor value chain. The plant is designed to support activities including chip design, fabrication, packaging and commercialization, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers while strengthening domestic industrial capabilities.

The investment aligns with growing national efforts to capture more value from advanced manufacturing and reduce dependence on external technology supply chains. Together with investments in data centers, advanced manufacturing and technology services, projects like QSM reinforce Querétaro’s reputation as one of Mexico’s most dynamic high-tech industrial hubs.

Digital Infrastructure Strengthens Competitiveness

Queretaro’s rapid industrial growth is supported by a strong digital ecosystem and workforce development. According to the 2025 State Digital Development Index published by Centro México Digital, Queretaro ranked second nationally with a score of 200 out of 300, behind only Mexico City.

The state led 10 of the 75 indicators evaluated in the index, including hyperscale and certified data centers, the availability of IT and cybersecurity specialists and the number of graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Queretaro also reported 46.3 data centers per MX$1 million of GDP, a level of infrastructure that supports high digital adoption across industries such as education, e-commerce and enterprise technology.

While the index highlighted areas for improvement, including expanding rural internet access and reducing gender gaps in digital skills, analysts say the state’s digital maturity remains a key driver of its industrial competitiveness and its ability to attract high-value investment.