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Posts Tagged Food processing

Recent and upcoming investment

Feb 2

Posted by Tom in Economy, Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Information collected from media reports over the past month:

  • Aerospace: American aircraft maker Hawker Beechcraft is joining forces with Mexican executive jet operator Aerolineas Executivas to build a new maintenance facility to serve private aircraft in the northeastern city of Monterrey.  The US$2.2 million project is planned to provide repair and painting services in the country’s second largest private aviation hub. (El Financiero, January 2, 2012)
  • Automotive: Japan-based Nissan Motor Co. is preparing plans to build a new automobile factory in Mexico.  The new facility will add production capacity to the company’s two existing plants in Mexico which currently have capacity to produce over 700,000 vehicles a year. (Wall Street Journal, January 6, 2012)
  • Automotive: Japanese automaker Nissan announced it will construct a new vehicle assembly plant in the central state of Aguascalientes at an estimated cost of US$2 billion.  The large-scale plan includes a supplier park nearby the new manufacturing facility, which will become Nissan’s third in Mexico. (Autoweek, January 25, 2012)
  • Aviation: European aerospace manufacturer Airbus announced an order from Mexican airline Volaris for the purchase of 44 new A320Neo and A320 aircraft. The total value of the deal, planned for delivery 2015 – 2020, was estimated at approximately US$4 billion. (AFP, January 12, 2012)
  • Aviation: U.S.-based aerospace manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft announced the sale of six new T-6C+ training aircraft to the Mexican Air Force, with the possibility of additional future orders.  The value of the deal was not specified. (Defense Media Network, January 11, 2012)
  • Electricity: German electronics and electrical engineering giant Siemans inaugurated a Low Voltage Research and Development Center near the northeastern city of Monterrey. The company invested approximately US$22 million in the new facility, which will help to develop high efficiency electrical systems for Siemens products. (Reforma, January 13, 2012)
  • Retail: Mexican grocery and general merchandise retailer Soriana announced plans to open 50 new sales locations in the country this year.  The company currently operates 558 stores across its five formats. (Reforma, January 16, 2012)
  • Logistics: The Mexican affiliate of Philippines-based International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) has begun construction on a new container handling terminal at the Pacific port of Manzanillo.  The new facility will require investment of US$250 million.  (Maquila Portal, January 17, 2012) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Nov 1

Posted by Tom in Economy, Investment, Manufacturing | 3 Comments

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Information collected from media reports over the past month:

  • Automotive: German auto parts manufacturer Robert Bosch projected investment in its Mexico operations at US$78 million for 2011.  The resources are earmarked to support introduction of new technologies and preparation for the manufacture of new brake pad and battery products at the company’s 13 Mexico production locations. (El Informador, September 29, 2011)
  • Aerospace: Canadian aircraft maker Bombardier announced it will invest US$50 million to outfit its Queretaro plant to produce the aft fuselage for its new generation of long range business jets.  Mexico is now producing major composite structures for the company’s Learjet 85, such as fuselage lay-up and subsystem installation, wiring harness fabrication and installation, wing assembly and horizontal and vertical stabilizer assemblies. (The Montreal Gazette, October 25, 2011)
  • Recycling: Germany-based industrial services firm Ferrostaal AG announced plans to build a tire recycling plant in Mexico.  The facility will convert used vehicle tires into rubber granules for potential use in the manufacture of sports and recreation surfaces, soundproofing insulation or water hoses, among other uses.  The amount of investment in the new plant was not specified. (Ferrostaal, September 26, 2011)
  • Mining: Minera Autlán, subsidiary of Mexican mining group Grupo Ferrominero (GFM), is projecting investment in its Mexico mining operations of up to US$300 million over the next five years.  GFM’s energy subsidiary GFM Energía also plans to build three hydroelectric plants and one wind power generating plant in the coming years. (Reforma, October 6, 2011)
  • Steel: U.S.-based Steel Technologies announced plans to build a new steel processing facility in the northeastern state of Nuevo León.  The US$78 million plant is planned to provide steel cutting and surface treatment services for the region’s thriving automotive industry. (NAFTA Works, October 2011) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment in Mexico

Oct 6

Posted by Tom in Economy, Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Information collected from media reports over the past month:

  • Retail: USA-based apparel marketer Warnaco revealed plans to open approximately 30 new stores in Mexico over the next two years.  Mexico sales were up by 39% through the first half of 2011 for the marketer of brands such as Calvin Klein and Speedo. (Reforma, August 25, 2011)
  • Logistics: Mexican cargo terminal operator Ferrovalle Intermodal announced a US$10 million expansion to its rail cargo handling facilities in Mexico City to be carried out this year.  The addition of 25 developed acres to the terminal will increase annual handling capacity to over 550,000 containers and speed last-mile deliveries. (Reforma, August 1, 2011)
  • Entertainment: Mexico City’s largest film studio, Estudios Churubusco, will expand with the construction of a new post-production building.  The investment of approximately US$20 million will include over 30,000 square feet of digital laboratory space, production warehousing and offices. (Reforma, September 6, 2011)
  • Infrastructure: Spanish infrastructure developer OHL Group, through its environmental subsidiary Inima, will build and operate a large-scale desalination plant in the northern Mexican state of Baja California.  The US$41 million facility is planned to produce 275 million cubic feet of potable water annually. (Reforma, September 7, 2011)
  • Energy: Spanish renewable energy developer Siliken will invest US$20 million initially to build and launch a 100 MW solar power plant in the northern state of Durango.  The project is planned to include a research and development center in addition to generating electricity. (Milenio, September 8, 2011)
  • Autoparts: Japanese industrial automation manufacturer Omron Corporation will invest US$30 million to build a new production plant in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato.   The facility will join recently announced new factories to be built by Honda and Mazda in Guanajuato’s growing automotive industry. (El Sol de Irapuato, August 27, 2011)
  • Biotechnology: Mexican agricultural biotechnology laboratory Biosustenta inaugurated a new plant to produce biofertilizers in the western state of Michoacán.  The US$1.3 million facility will use mycorrhizal fungi and other bacterias to produce the fertilizers.  Biosustenta currently exports product to the United States, Canada and Europe. (El Financiero, August 30, 2011) Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Aug 2

Posted by Tom in Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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  • Automotive: U.S. auto maker General Motors announced US$900 million in additional investment in Mexico in the coming years.  The resources are planned to expand production capabilities at various of the company’s plants in the country.
  • Manufacturing: British-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in the state of Morelos, near Mexico City.  The US$84 million facility will produce personal care products for the brands Axe, Dove and Rexona.
  • Tourism: Mexican hotel operator Grupo Posadas will invest US$140 million this year in new hotel projects in Mexico.  With tourism showing signs of recovery after the long economic downturn, Posadas’ Mexican investment is part of a total US$400 million projected by the company for new projects throughout Latin America.
  • Wind power: The Mexican subsidiary of U.S.-based Cannon Power Group revealed plans to invest US$2.5 billion to develop three new wind farms in Mexico.  The newly created Mexico Power group plans generating plants with combined capacity over 300 MW for the states of Baja California, Zacatecas and Quintana Roo.
  • Metals: Chilean metals processor Molymet will invest US$135 million to build a new production plant in Sonora, Mexico.  The new plant will add to the company’s existing molybdenum processing infrastructure in the state.
  • Food processing: Leading Mexican meat processor SuKarne will invest US$270 million to build a large production facility in the north eastern state of Nuevo Leon.  The project is planned to include livestock raising facilities, a feed plant, a federally certified slaughterhouse, a packing plant, a distribution center and a rail shipping link. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Jun 10

Posted by Tom in Economy, Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Mining: Canadian mining firm Chesapeake Gold Corp. will invest up to US$3.5 billion over the coming years in a large scale project to develop gold and silver extraction operations at its Metate site in Durango, northern Mexico.  The site is projected to become one of the world’s largest producers of the precious metals.
  • Automotive: German auto parts manufacturer Schaeffler will invest US$120 million to boost its operations in central Mexico.  The resources will be used to expand production infrastructure at the company’s plant in Irapuato, Guanajuato, which produces parts for automobile motors, transmissions and chassis.
  • Food processing: Mexican multinational baking giant Grupo Bimbo revealed plans for US$190 million worth of investment in Mexico this year.  Much of the resources are earmarked for upgrades to increase operational efficiency at the company’s 45 production plants in the country.
  • Logistics: Mexican courier company Estafeta will build four new operations centers in Mexico beginning this year, as part of the firm’s US$37.5 million expansion plans for 2011.  Estafeta reported its cargo levels have returned to 2008 levels, and the company is projecting 6% growth for the current year.
  • Automotive: Japanese tire giant Bridgestone will invest US$100 million this year to boost production capacity in Mexico.  The expanded output at Bridgestone plants in the cities of Monterrey and Cuernavaca is intended to meet demand in the United States.
  • Energy: Mexican solar panel manufacturer Solartec is investing US$5.4 million to construct and equip a new research center in the central state of Guanajuato.  The goal of the new facility will be to develop technological improvements that will halve the cost of photovoltaic solar electricity systems in Mexico by 2015. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

May 6

Posted by Tom in Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Beverage: Mexico’s leading beer producer, Grupo Modelo, announced plans to invest US$400 million in 2011 in upgrades and expansion.  Resources are earmarked for improvements to the company’s production plant in Coahuila and to support market share gains in the U.S., Canadian and Australian markets.
  • Automotive: Italian tire maker Pirelli is initiating construction on a new US$210 million production facility in Mexico’s central state of Guanajuato.  The major plant will produce car and truck tires for the domestic Mexican market as well as for the rest of North America.
  • Food processing: Snack food and beverage giant PepsiCo inaugurated a new Financial Services Center in Mexico City.  The US$2.7 million facility, which will handle financial and administrative corporate operations for Central America and the Caribbean, is part of the company’s five-year plan to invest US$3 billion in the region in infrastructure and community relations.
  • Energy: Spanish energy conglomerate Gas Natural Fenosa revealed upcoming investment plans for Mexico including approximately US$60 million for natural gas distribution projects and US$50 million for electricity generation.  The company’s electricity generating capacity in Mexico represents 15% of the country’s independent production capacity, according to their own estimates. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Apr 5

Posted by Tom in Economy, Energy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Energy: U.S. energy giant General Electric inaugurated an advanced research center in the central Mexican state of Queretaro.  The US$20 million facility, located close to one of Mexico’s leading aerospace clusters, will contribute to the design of airplane turbines and power generation systems.
  • Retail: Mexico’s leading retailer, Wal-Mart de Mexico, revealed plans to invest US$1.2 billion in Mexico in 2011.  The record-setting amount will help cover the opening of a projected 365 new retail locations across the company’s formats.
  • Electronics: German electronics manufacturer Siemens is investing a combined US50 million in new assembly and testing infrastructure in the central state of Queretaro.  The facilities will produce equipment for high voltage systems as well as contribute to new product development.
  • Manufacturing: Construction is underway on the fifth Mexico plant of Dutch lighting products manufacturer Philips.  The new facility, located in the northeastern city of Monterrey, is planned to produce lighting equipment for residential, industrial, commercial and municipal applications.
  • Transport: Kansas City Southern railroad’s Mexico subsidiary announced plans to invest US$125 million in upgrades this year.  The 2011 resources, an increase over 2010, are earmarked for infrastructure development, railway network maintenance and the purchase of equipment and technology.
  • Retail: Leading Mexican grocery and general merchandise chain Soriana will invest US$300 million to open new stores in 2011, the company announced.  Planned store openings include aggressive expansion of the chain’s downscale “Soriana Express” format.
  • Food processing: Food and beverage giant Pepsico will invest US$40 million in Mexico over the next seven years to expand the cultivation of sunflower.  Oil from the plants will be used in the production of the company’s baked goods under the brands Sabritas, Gamesa and Quaker. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Nov 4

Posted by Tom in Economy, Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Steel: European and Japanese steelmakers Ternium and Nippon Steel Corp., respectively, announced an alliance to build and operate a new steel manufacturing plant outside Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.  Projected to come on line in 2013, the plant will produce galvanized steel sheeting for the automotive industry.
  • Aerospace: Canadian aerospace giant Bombardier inaugurated a US$250 million expansion to its manufacturing complex in the central state of Queretaro this month.  The new facility will produce fuselages and electrical components for the company’s Learjet 85 model aircraft.
  • Retail: Office products retailer Office Depot de México revealed ambitious plans to continue its expansion into the Central and South American markets.  The company, which currently operates sales locations in Guatemala, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador and Honduras in addition to its 188 stores in Mexico, is projecting US$50 million in investment to open 50 new stores in Colombia during the next five years.
  • Manufacturing: U.S. sports equipment manufacturer Easton Bell Sports will invest US$50 million to open a production plant in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon.  The company, which produces sports headgear for the NFL, MLB and NHL, initially will manufacture football helmets at the new plant for export to the United States.
  • Telecommunications: Telefonos de Mexico (Telmex), Mexico’s largest fixed telephone and internet service provider, estimated investment in network and internet infrastructure upgrades at over US$880 million in 2009 and 2010.  The company plans to continue investing in internet infrastructure despite a slight decrease in the strong pace of growth in recent years. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Apr 7

Posted by Tom in Economy, Investment, Manufacturing | 1 Comment

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Steel:  Mexico’s steel manufacturing industry chamber of commerce Canacero projected investments of US$10 billion over the next five years to significantly boost production in the sector.  Canacero estimates production will increase 13.5% this year over 2009, when output dropped significantly.
  • Airports: The Mexican Ministry of Transport (SCT) announced plans for three new airports to be constructed in 2010, with investment of US$36 million.  The local airport developments are planned for La Pesca in the northeast and the tourist sites Creel in the north and Palenque in the south.
  • Transport: Inter-city bus operator Grupo IAMSA reported it plans to add 300 new luxury buses to its fleet this year.  The US$100 million investment is slated to go primarily to Volvo for the new buses.
  • Aerospace: French aerospace manufacturer Grupo Safran inaugurated two new plants in an aerospace park in the central state of Queretaro, site one of Mexico’s leading aerospace clusters.  The approximately US$150 million investment set up plants for Safran’s affiliates Messier-Dowty and Snecma to produce jet engine parts and undercarriages.
  • Solar power: BP Solar, the solar technology subsidiary of Great Britain-based energy giant BP, announced plans to subcontract the assembly of solar modules with Jabil Circuit in Chihuahua, northern Mexico.  Plans call for producing modules with a combined capacity of 45 MW, with the possibility for expansion as demand dictates. Read the rest of this entry »

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Recent and upcoming investment

Feb 26

Posted by Tom in Investment, Manufacturing | No Comments

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Reports on some recent and upcoming investment collected from the local business media:

  • Plastics:  The Manufacturing Industry Chamber of Nuevo Leon (Caintra) announced an initial US$1 million investment to build the Mexican Institute for Technological Innovation in Plastic and Rubber in the Monterrey area.
  • Electronics: IBM formally inaugurated new manufacturing installations in Jalisco developed at an estimated cost of US$20 million.  The facilities are intended specifically for the production of IBM’s high-end XIV Storage Systems for export to the United States, Europe and other areas.
  • Toys: Spanish toy manufacturer and retailer Imaginarium announced ambitious plans to expand operations in Mexico with an initial investment of US$1.6 million.  The company plans to open over 40 new retail locations in the country by 2013, in addition to potentially manufacturing in Mexico.
  • Retail: Despite underwhelming economic recovery, Mexico’s top retailer Wal-Mart de Mexico announced plans to invest over US$900 million this year.  The plans include the opening of 300 new locations across the company’s various retail formats and the remodeling of existing stores.
  • Mining: Canadian mining company First MajesticSilver Corp. opened a mineral processing plant in the northern state of Coahuila in late 2009.  The US$22 million plant will produce gold and silver. Read the rest of this entry »

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