Zhongding Begins Construction of New Plant in Guanajuato

Chinese auto parts manufacturer Anhui Zhongding Sealing Parts Co., Ltd. has begun construction of a new manufacturing plant in central Mexico as part of its strategy to expand production capacity in the Americas and adapt to shifting regional automotive supply chains. The facility is being built inside the Amexhe Industrial Park in Apaseo el Grande, Guanajuato, and will cover a total area of nearly 60,000m2, the company said. The first phase of the project includes approximately 37,000m2 of construction. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with operations scheduled to begin in 1Q27.

The new plant will complement Zhongding’s existing operations in Mexico through its subsidiary Tristone, which currently operates facilities in Chihuahua and Delicias. The expansion is aimed at strengthening the company’s manufacturing and service network across the American continent, with a focus on proximity to key automotive markets.

Zhongding said the decision to invest in Guanajuato reflects a broader localization strategy designed to bring production closer to major automotive assembly and consumption hubs in North America. By doing so, the company seeks to improve supply chain stability, enhance responsiveness to customer needs and reduce risks linked to global trade dynamics and environmental factors affecting logistics.

The international trade environment also played a role in the investment decision. Mexico has announced changes to its tariff policy on imports from China, effective Jan. 1, 2026, introducing duties ranging from 5% to 50% across several industrial categories, including automotive products. Under this scenario, local production has become increasingly important for meeting rules of origin requirements and maintaining competitiveness in the regional market.

For Zhongding, the Amexhe project represents another step in its global expansion strategy, which emphasizes building local manufacturing capabilities in strategic markets. The company said such investments allow it to better integrate production resources, improve service capabilities and strengthen supply chain resilience amid an increasingly complex global trade environment.

Proof that Guanajuato is an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investment, the state has secured US$3.41 billion in investment projects and more than 11,000 jobs so far under the current state administration, reaching 42.6% of its six-year investment attraction goal, reported officials. The investments span 44 projects announced to date, underscoring continued investor confidence in one of Mexico’s most dynamic industrial hubs. In 2025 alone, Guanajuato finalized 35 projects totaling more than US$1.5 billion, with plans to generate over 7,000 jobs, reported MBN. 

Governor Libia García said the state’s economic policy prioritizes job creation and job retention while promoting balanced regional development across Guanajuato. State Minister of Economy Claudia Villaseñor said the results reflect Guanajuato’s competitive advantages, which continue to position the state as an attractive pole for business investments.

Projects and expansions announced during the year cover a wide range of strategic industries, including new technologies, automotive and auto parts manufacturing, services, plastics, agribusiness, chemicals, construction, ceramics and materials, as well as pharmaceutical and cosmetics production. Guanajuato also strengthened its international trade and investment ties through projects originating from Germany, Japan, Spain, Canada, Mexico, the United States, Italy, South Korea, China and Denmark, according to state officials.

Investments were distributed both inside and outside the state’s industrial corridor, benefiting municipalities such as Leon, Irapuato, Apaseo el Grande, San Miguel de Allende, Salamanca, Silao, Guanajuato, Villagran, San Jose Iturbide, Celaya, Abasolo, and Romita.

With these results, Guanajuato continues to consolidate its role as a major investment destination and a national and international benchmark for economic growth and job creation, officials said, adding that each project is expected to serve as a catalyst for development, technological innovation and stronger local supply chains.