Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Telecommunications: Finland-based telecommunications technology provider Nokia Siemens Networks inaugurated a new Service Delivery Center in Mexico City.  The US$2.4 million facility will provide design, planning, optimization and assurance support for telecommunications networks in Latin America, according to the company. (Nokia Siemens Networks, December 7, 2011)
• Metals: U.S.-based metals processor Ryerson Inc. recently opened a new processing center in the northwestern city of Tijuana.  The facility will provide services such as cutting, slitting and laser burning for the area’s large maquiladora and manufacturing industries. (Made in Mexico, Inc., November 7, 2011)
• Aviation: Mexican airline VivaAerobus announced plans to invest US$20 – 25 million in 2012 for the acquisition of five to seven new aircraft.  The company has registered strong growth since its launch in 2006. (Mexican Business Web, December 3, 2011)
• Mining: Canadian mining firm Excalibur Resources announced that it will proceed to develop a major gold and silver production facility at its Catanava mining property in Zacatecas, Mexico, following approval of permits by the Mexican government.  Plans for the development include the construction of office and warehouse space as well as crushing, milling, conveyance and laboratory installations. (Canadian Mining Journal, November 25, 2011)
• Retail: U.S.-based electronics retailer Best Buy announced plans to double the number of its sales locations in Mexico next year.  Best Buy, which entered the Mexican market in 2008, plans to expand from eight to 16 stores in Mexico in 2012. (Reforma, November 29, 2011)
• Automotive: German automotive and electrical components manufacturer Bosch estimated total investment in Mexico of over US$78 million for 2011.  The resources went principally to upgrade machinery and tooling for the company’s 13 production plants in the country, Bosch Mexico president Charles Visconti revealed. (NAFTA Works, December 2011)
• Automotive: Japan-based Neaton Auto inaugurated a new production plant in the central state of Queretaro.  Built at a cost of US$53 million, the facility will manufacture air bags for OEMs Nissan, Honda and Toyota. (Corresponsal del Bajío, November 3, 2011)
• Plastics: Spanish automation components and plastics manufacturer Matz-Erreka inaugurated a new expansion at the plant of its Mexican affiliate Erramex in the central state of Queretaro.  The US$3 million capacity addition will produce precision components for clients such as Valeo, Hutchinson, ZF Sachs and others. (El Financiero, December 5, 2011)
• Energy: Spain-based gas multinational Gan Natural Fenosa announced plans to invest approximately US$65-70 million annually in Mexico over the next 13 years to expand its gas distribution network.  The company seeks to double its existing 15,000 km of pipeline over this period. (El Financiero, December 15, 2011)
• Aerospace: French aircraft component maker Manoir Industries inaugurated a new manufacturing plant in the northern state of Chihuahua.  The US$10 million facility will join the state’s growing aerospace cluster, producing turbine blades and parts for braking systems. (Chihuahuan Frontier, December 1, 2011)
• Manufacturing: U.S.-based Mars company’s Mexico subsidiary inaugurated a new pet food manufacturing plant in the western state of Jalisco.  The US$60 million facility will produce moist food products for dogs and cats. (Excelsior, December 12, 2011)
• Logistics: Danish marine transport group A.P. Moller-Maersk subsidiary APM Terminals will invest US$900 million to construct a new container handling terminal at the Mexican port of Lázaro Cárdenas.  The facility is planned to include 5,000 feet of dock space and an on-dock rail yard. (El Financiero, December 30, 2011)

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Information collected from media reports over the past month:

• Beverage: Netherlands-based Heineken International, through its Mexican brewing operation Cuauhtemoc Moctezuma (CM), invested over US$37 million to boost sales of the brewery’s Carta Blanca beer brand.  Resources were channeled into areas such as a new returnable bottle, label design and delivery truck modifications.  CM was acquired by Heineken in 2010. (Vanguardia, October 28, 2011)
• Energy: Mareña Renovables Capital, S.A.P.I. de C.V., controlled by an investment consortium led by Australia’s Macquarie Group, will build Mexico’s largest wind farm to date in the southern state of Oaxaca.  The 396 MW electricity generating site will supply energy to beverage giant FEMSA, which will co-finance construction with assistance from a US$72 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). (Inter-American Development Bank, November 24, 2011)
• Logistics: Mexico’s rail freight operators are projecting combined investment of approximately US$350 – 450 million annually in the coming years, according to the Mexican Railroad Association.  Resources are targeted principally for modernization and upgrade of infrastructure. (Reforma, November 9, 2011)
• Energy: Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) is projecting that public agencies and private companies will invest a combined US$10.5 billion to expand the country’s natural gas pipeline network.  Projects include eight new pipelines, which will help support planned conversion of power plants from fuel oil to natural gas. (Reforma, November 9, 2011)
• Automotive: U.K.-based auto parts manufacturer GKN Driveline is projecting total investment in its Mexico operations at US$46 million for 2011.  The expenditures are focused on reinforcing metal forming, machining and assembly operations to increase production at the company’s three plants in the central state of Guanajuato. (Reforma, November 21, 2011)
• Pharmaceutical: German pharmaceutical manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim inaugurated a new production plant in the western state of Jalisco.  The US$10 million facility will produce biological veterinary products for poultry, swine and cattle applications. (NAFTA Works, November, 2011)
• Retail: Mexico’s national retailers association ANTAD is projecting total investment of US$3.6 billion in new store openings and remodeling for 2011.  The sector has performed well this year despite the uncertain economic climate, with leading grocery and general merchandise chains Wal-Mart and Chedraui reporting total sales growth of 12% and 11.9%, respectively, through September. (Reforma, November 7, 2011)
• Biotechnology: The central state of Morelos plans to invest approximately US$25 million to establish a biotechnology park in the city of Cuernavaca.  The state is offering a series of incentives that they project will attract some 40 – 50 research and manufacturing operations to the facility.  (Reforma, November 11, 2011)
• Logistics: U.S.-based university The Georgia Institute of Technology, in conjunction with Mexico’s Monterrey Technological Institute (ITESM), recently opened a Trade and Logistics Innovation Center in Mexico City.  The center will provide executive education and advanced research in areas such as lean supply chain, transportation, warehousing, inventory, trade and supply chain strategy.  (GlobalAtlanta.com, September 29, 2011)
• Automotive: U.S.-based auto parts manufacturer TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. announced it will open a new production plant in the central state of Queretaro in 2012.  The planned facility machine aluminum components and assemble advanced brake systems in a clean-room environment.  The amount of investment was not reported. (American machinist, November 23, 2011)
• Telecommunications: Mobile network operator Nextel de Mexico is projecting investment of approximately US$1.4 billion over the next five years.  The company currently reports a client base of 3.5 million subscribers in Mexico. (Mexican Business Web, September 21, 2011)
• Aerospace: Canadian aerospace manufacturer Héroux-Devtek inaugurated a new production plant in the central state of Queretaro this month.  The US$20 million facility will produce aerostructure components for OEMs also located in the fast-growing Queretaro aerospace cluster, the company announced. (Héroux-Devtek press release, November 15, 2011)
• Railroads: Mexico’s rail freight operators project investment of a combined US$500 million in 2012.  Companies including Ferrocarril del Sureste, Ferromex, Kansas City Southern, Ferrocarril Tijuana-Tecate and Ferrocarril Coahuila-Durango will channel the resources into infrastructure development and new equipment. (El Financiero, November 15, 2011)
• Automotive: German heavy vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus, via its Mexican subsidiary, will invest US$15 million to expand and upgrade capacity at its plant in the central state of Queretaro.  The resources are earmarked to outfit work stations and supply lines for the production of 14 new vehicle models. (Reforma, November 22, 2011)
• Retail: DIY retailer The Home Depot announced aggressive expansion plans for 2012, projecting investment of US$143 million in a drive to increase its Mexico stores from 91 to 100.  The Home Depot acquired Home Mart in Mexico in 2004 and is currently the country’s largest home improvement and construction products chain. (Mexican Business Web, November 24, 2011)

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)
• Software: Microsoft Corp. inaugurated a new Microsoft Technology Center in Mexico City this month.  The center, the first of its kind in Latin America, will be used to train software developers and test advanced products.  Microsoft is projecting investment of over US$600 million in Mexico in the coming years. (Fox News Latino, October 5, 2011)
• Food processing: Swiss confectionary Barry Callebaut revealed plans to acquire a chocolate producing plant in Toluca, Mexico, from its strategic partner Grupo Turin.   The European chocolate maker plans to invest US$30 million over the next three years to boost production at its Mexico facilities. (El Universal, September 21, 2011)
• Telecommunications: The Mexican market for smart phones is on track to grow 78% in 2011, according to market researchers IDC.  Mexico is the second largest market in Latin America for the devices, with sales of over 7 million units projected for this year. (Mexican Business Web, October 7, 2011)
• Food processing: Mexican coffee processor CAFESCA inaugurated a new US$43 million freeze-drying plant in the southern state of Chiapas this month.  Mexico is among the world’s largest coffee producers, with Chiapas the country’s leading coffee producing state. (El Financiero, October 19, 2011)
• Aerospace: Mexico’s airline industry will require over 400 new passenger jets worth more than US$30 billion during the next 20 years, according to the 2010 – 2030 Global Market Forecast by Airbus.  Mexico is the European aircraft manufacturer’s second largest market in Latin America after Brazil, Airbus reported. (Reforma, October 28, 2011)
• Retail: Mexican corporate group FEMSA announced an expansion target of opening 3,000 new locations of its Oxxo convenience store format by the end of 2014.  The company currently operates over 9,000 Oxxo stores in Mexico. (El Financiero, October 18, 2011)
• Beverage: Freixenet Mexico, subsidiary of Spanish winemaker Freixenet, expanded its bottling plant in the central state of Queretaro through investment of US$1.4 million, the company revealed.  The upgrade doubled bottling capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 bottles of wine per hour. (Reforma, October 31, 2011)
• Aerospace: France-based Eurocopter announced plans to build a new manufacturing plant in the central state of Queretaro, home to Mexico’s largest aerospace cluster.  The US$100 million facility is planned to produce helicopter and aircraft components such as tail booms, vertical stabilizers and doors. (Corporate Jet Investor, October 27, 2011)

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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.
• Paper: Chilean paper producer CMPC will open a new paper bag manufacturing plant in Guadalajara, Mexico.  The US$20.4 million facility is projected to begin operations in early 2012 with annual production capacity of 40,000 tons.
• Construction: Plans for US$ 2.3 billion worth of new office tower construction along Mexico City’s Reforma business corridor were revealed during the World Office Forum conference in Mexico City this month.  At least 13 new towers are slated for construction by 2014.
• Automotive: Volkswagen Mexico invested US$400 million to redesign its Puebla, Mexico plant for the production of the new Beetle model automobile.  The company is projecting output of 100,000 units of the model for next year, principally for export to the United States, Europe and China.
• Retail: U.S.-based grocery and general merchandise retailer H-E-B plans to invest US$23 million in 2012 to capitalize on its strong growth in the Mexican market.  Sales at the chain’s Mexican stores, which currently number 39, were up 12% overall through the first half of 2011.
• Mining: Mexican mining firm Grupo Peñoles inaugurated its new El Saucito silver mine in the northern state of Zacatecas.  Total investment in the new mine and processing plant is estimated at over US$300 million.
• Logistics: Mexican intermodal freight terminal operator Intermodal Mexico will invest US$20 million in infrastructure upgrades to handle strong growth in demand for container management.  Resources are earmarked for container handling equipment, cranes and information management systems.
• Electronics: U.S.-based audio electronics manufacturer Harman is building a new production facility in the central state of Queretaro.  The plant, to be completed next month at a cost of approximately US$75 million, will produce audio systems for automobiles.
• Cosmetics: French cosmetics giant L’Oreal will invest US$50 million in the construction of a new manufacturing plant in the northeastern state of San Luís Potosí.  The new facility, the company’s second in Mexico, is planned to produce hair coloring products for the Mexican market as well as for export to the United States and elsewhere in Latin America.
• Telecommunications: Mexican beverage bottler Coca Cola-FEMSA is investing US$3 million to open a new contact center in the State of Mexico, just outside Mexico City.  The center is planned to handle 10,000 customer service calls daily from the surrounding states.
• Aerospace: British heat treatment specialist Bodycote announced recently it will open a new technical facility in the northwestern state of Sonora.  The plant will provide advanced thermal processing services to aerospace manufacturers in the area. The states of Sonora, Chihuahua and Baja California form Mexico’s largest aerospace manufacturing cluster with over 100 companies between them.

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

• Retail: Mexican franchise operating group Alsea announced plans to invest approximately US$400 million over the next five years to open new stores.  The licensee  in Mexico of brands such as Domino’s, Starbucks, Burger King and Chili’s, Alsea will also add locations in Chile, Argentina and Colombia.
• Energy: Mexican industrial baking giant Grupo Bimbo announced the initiation of construction of a major wind farm in southern Mexico that is intended to supply nearly 100% of the company’s domestic electricity needs.  The majority of the US$200 million investment in the site will be supplied by Spanish renewable energy developer Renovalia, which will build and operate the facility.
• Manufacturing: U.S.-based tile and floor covering materials producer Dal-Tile Corp. will invest US$111 million in a new manufacturing plant in the central city of Salamanca, Guanajuato.  The new facility, planned for construction in 2011, will become the second plant in Mexico operated by local subsidiary Daltile de México.
• Recycling: Member companies of the Mexican plastic bag industry association (Inboplast) will invest over US$12 million in the development of 24 bag recycling plants beginning next year.  The plants are intended to take greater advantage of underutilized plastic in Mexico City’s enormous landfills.
• Energy: Dubai-based alternative energy developers Rubenius announced plans to invest up to US$4 billion to construct a large scale energy storage facility in Mexicali, Mexico near the U.S. border.  The site is planned to store 1,000 Mw of solar, wind and geothermal energy for distribution to grids in both Mexico and the United States.
• Transport: Rail freight operator Ferrocarriles Mexicanos estimates combined investment of US$470 million between the second half of 2010 through the end of 2011.  Projecting growth of 27% in cargo volume for the current year, the freight carrier indicated investment will be focused on infrastructure upgrades and acquisition of locomotives.
• Retail: Mexico’s leading upscale department store chain, Liverpool, plans to double its pace of expansion beginning in 2011.  The company projects opening approximately 10 new stores annually over the next five years, in anticipation of an improved economy.
• Automotive: Kostal Mexicana, subsidiary of German automotive electronics maker Kostal GmbH, inaugurated a new manufacturing plant this month in the central city of Acámbaro, Guanajuato.  The facility will produce control panels for dashboards, doors and steering columns.
• Aviation: Mexican air carrier Aeromexico announced plans for fleet expansion with the acquisition of 25 additional aircraft over the next three years.  The airline, which projects investment of US$1 billion for the new planes, has benefitted to some degree from the suspension of operations by rival Mexicana.
• Aerospace: General Electric, through its Mexican subsidiary General Electric Infrastructure Queretaro (GEIQ), completed construction of a new Center of Excellence in the central state of Queretaro.  The US$50 million center, set for inauguration in the coming weeks, will provide design services for GE’s aerospace turbine manufacturing operations.
• Telecommunications: The Mexican government announced an order with Boeing Co. for nearly US$ 1 billion worth of satellite communications equipment.  The contract includes three satellites as well as ground-based communications infrastructure, to be delivered over three years.
• Beverage: Ajemex, the Mexican subsidiary of Peruvian beverage bottler Ajegroup, revealed plans to invest US$17 million to build a new production plant in northern Mexico in 2011.  The South American beverage maker currently produces soft drinks at six plants in Mexico.
• Software: Mexican software developer InterLatin announced plans to invest US$ 2 million in 2011 to expand operations.  The investment program includes opening offices in Mexico City and Tijuana to support the company’s focus on Product Lifecycle Management products and services.
• Personal care: Depelle, a Mexican chain of IPL hair removal salons, will expand aggressively over the next three years with the opening of over 500 additional locations.  The company was launched in 2010 with the departure of competitor Neoskin from the Mexican market.

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

• Retail: Grocery and general merchandise retailer Grupo Chedraui revealed plans to double its stores in Mexico to 280 in the coming years.   The chain, now third largest in its sector in the country, has grown rapidly in recent years and currently operates 143 retail locations.
• Logistics: Mexican logistics and transport firm Grupo Transportación Marítima Mexicana (TMM) will begin construction in 2011 on a new multimodal terminal at the Port of Tuxpan, on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.  The US$350 million facility is planned to handle liquid, solid and container cargo.
• Energy: Eoliatec de Mexico, subsidiary of Spain’s Eolia Renovables, signed contracts with communal farmers in Jalisco helping to clear the way for the development of the state’s first wind farm.  The firm projects investment of US$185 million in the electricity generation facility with a capacity of 60Mw.
• Manufacturing: Brazil-based Embraco, a manufacturer of refrigeration compressors, announced plans to begin manufacturing at a new plant in Apodaca, Nuevo Leon in 2011.  The US$90 million investment will allow the company to serve Mexico’s refrigerator manufacturers via domestic production, in addition to exporting to the United States and Canada.
• Biofuel: A new bio-diesel plant is currently under construction in the southeastern state of Chiapas, set to begin production in early 2011.  The US$3.5 million dollar facility, financed jointly by various federal government agencies, will use locally grown African palm and jatropha to produce diesel fuel to supply public transportation systems in the cities of Tuxtla Gutierrez and Tapachula in the state.
• Manufacturing: Industrial gas maker Praxair initiated production at a new air separation unit at its existing facility in San Nicolas de la Garza, outside of Monterrey.  The plant operated by the U.S.-based company’s Mexican affiliate, Praxair México, serves the industrial gas needs of a variety of clients in northeastern Mexico.
• Real Estate: Spanish banking group Santander announced it will build a new corporate office building in downtown Monterrey.  The US$40 million project, set to begin construction in early 2011, will become the city’s tallest building.
• Metal forming: Canadian-owned Troquelados de Queretaro inaugurated a new die cutting plant in the central state of Queretaro.  The firm invested US$12 million in the facility, which will produce parts principally for the region’s automotive industry.
• Automotive: Italian tire maker Pirelli is projecting investment of US$210 million in new production facilities in Guanajuato, Mexico over the next five years.  The leading tire maker, which currently operates eight manufacturing plants in Mexico, will produce tires for OEMs in the area as well as for the aftermarket.
• Automotive: Neaton Auto Mexicana, subsidiary of Japanese autoparts maker Neaton Auto Products, will invest an initial US$8.5 million in land and construction to build a new manufacturing facility in Queretaro in 2011.  The plant is planned to produce air bags for Nissan, Honda and Toyota auto makers in Mexico.
• Nanotechnology: Nuevo Leon’s growing nanotechnology cluster will be further strengthened by the addition of new facilities at the Technological Research and Innovation Park (PIIT) located outside Monterrey.  Construction planned to begin imminently will create new infrastructure for the Institute of Electricity Research (IIE), the Center for Mathematical Research (CIMAT), the Ensenada Center for Scientific and Higher Education Research (CICESE) and the Nuevo Leon Technology Institute.  The area’s nanotechnology cluster currently consists of 38 companies or organizations and is projected to grow to 50 over the next two years.
• Food processing: Mexican industrial baking giant Grupo Bimbo agreed to a US$959 million acquisition of the fresh bakery operations of Sara Lee Corp.  The takeover, expected to be completed in the first half of 2011, will make Bimbo the largest industrial baker in the United States.
• Coatings: Mexican coatings multinational Comex revealed plans to invest up to US$100 million to construct at least three new production plants in 2011.  The company will distribute the investment among facilities in Mexico, Central America and Canada.
• Telecommunications: Mexican retail bank Banorte announced it will build a major new call center in Monterrey in 2011.  The US$80 million project will allow the company to consolidate its telephone and internet-based customer service operations in one location.
• Retail: Mexico-based department store chain Sanborns plans to invest up to US$40 million to open 10 new retail locations in 2011.  The company, which currently operates 192 stores in Mexico, Panama and El Salvador, also confirmed it is considering opening a store in New York.
• Automotive: Automaker Chrysler de Mexico inaugurated a new US$570 million manufacturing plant in the northern city of Saltillo.  The new facility, the company’s sixth in Mexico, will produce motors for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles.
• Real Estate: Commercial real estate developer Gigante Grupo Inmobiliario (GGI) inaugurated a new shopping center in the State of Mexico built at a cost of US$67 million.  Since selling its Gigante grocery store chain to former rival Soriana in 2007, Gigante has become active in mall development and is beginning to undertake residential development as well.
• Retail: DIY retailer The Home Depot announced plans to open seven new stores in Mexico in 2011, expanding their total number of locations in the country to over 90.  The company projects investment of approximately US$120 million next year between new stores and maintenance for existing stores.

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.
• Manufacturing: Danish toymaker Lego announced it will undertake a US$100 million expansion of its production plant outside Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.  The plant extension will accommodate nearly 400 plastic injection machines.
• Manufacturing: General Electric will invest US$60 million between 2010 and 2012 to modify and upgrade plants in Ciudad Juarez, Monterrey and Queretaro to accommodate additional production.  The company’s 18 plants in Mexico produce products such as medical devices, motors and aerospace parts.
• Machinery: German machinery maker Hess Group invested US$2.5 million to launch manufacturing operations at a production plant in the south eastern state of Yucatan, the company’s first in Latin America.  The plant, to produce specialized construction machinery, will serve the Latin American market.
• Automotive: Mexican heavy vehicle manufacturer Grupo Dina, which returned to activity in 2007 after a multi-year absence for restructuring, announced plans to invest US$20 million over the next three years to boost production.  The company, currently producing only passenger vehicles, plans to launch new products including hybrid and articulated models of passenger buses, in addition to returning to truck production.
• Retail: Mexican retail leader Walmart de Mexico announced plans to invest US$330 million to open over 70 new locations in the north eastern state of Nuevo Leon over the next five years.  Walmart’s retail formats in the state include grocery stores, restaurants and clothes stores.
• Agriculture: Dutch seed producer Rijk Zwaan inaugurated a new seed breeding facility in the central state of Guanajuato.  The US$19 million purpose-build greenhouse will produce seeds primarily for tomatoes and peppers.
• Information technology: U.S. technology giant Cisco inaugurated a new Center of Innovation in Mexico City following investment of US$2 million.  The center is intended to identify needs in the local market and develop tailored solutions for them.
• Energy: Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) projects US$160 million in investment in 2011 in the central zone formerly served by the now-defunct Central Light and Power (LFC).  Resources will be channeled into construction, expansion, repair and maintenance of outdated infrastructure inherited from LFC.
• Food processing: Swiss food processing giant Nestle advised that it is incorporating sustainability guidelines into all areas of investment.  The company plans to invest US$400 million in its Mexico operations over the next three years, and has incorporated solar and biomass energy producing technology into local plants.
• Plastics: Companies in Mexico’s plastics industry have plans to invest a combined US$1.8 billion in 2011, according to the National Plastics Industry Association (ANIPAC).  Following two sluggish years, ANIPAC is projecting a rebound of 9% growth next year.
• Retail: Blockbuster Mexico revealed plans to maintain its expansion plans for Mexico, projecting the opening of five to 10 new locations annually in the country over the coming five years.  The movie and game rental chain currently operates 320 stores in the country.

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

• Retail: DIY retailer Home Depot announced investment of US$115 million in Mexico in the current year, principally for the opening of five new stores.  The leader in its segment in Mexico, Home Depot projects 85 retail locations in operation by the end of 2010.
• Environmental:  The North American Development Bank (NADBank) has ramped up its financing of environmental and other infrastructural projects in Mexico’s northern border zone over the past three years, local media report.  Projects in Mexico financed by the bank during this period include 32 water treatment plants, 50 drainage and potable water systems and 12 solid waste landfills.
• Telecommunications: Telecom service provider Nextel projects investing up to US$1.5 billion in the construction of new network infrastructure.  Nextel recently won a nationwide spectrum auction in Mexico in partnership with television broadcast giant Televisa.
• Aerospace: U.S.-based aircraft manufacturer Hawker Beechcraft is currently constructing a new production plant in the northern city of Chihuahua.  The US$108 million facility, set to produce aircraft assemblies and subassemblies, will become the company’s second manufacturing plant in Chihuahua, further bolstering Mexico’s robust aerospace sector.
• Automotive: General Motors de Mexico announced projected investment of US$500 million in the northern state of Coahuila to produce a new generation of eight-cylinder motors as well as a new vehicle platform.  Projects supported by the new investment are planned to begin this year with actual production set for 2011.
• Franchising: Fast-food chain Burger King announced 2010 investment of approximately US$15 million in order to open 20 new restaurants in Mexico.  The chain’s Mexico expansion also will include doubling the number of “dessert kiosks” from 18 to 36.
• Automotive:  Automaker Volkswagen announced new planned investments of up to US$1 billion over the next three years in its Mexico operations.  Projects under the program include modernization of the Puebla plant to produce the next generation Beetle and construction of a new plant to produce a new generation of motors for Mexico and U.S. auto production.
• Energy: Mitsui Power America, affiliate of Japanese multinational Mitsui, announced projected investment of up to US$2.5 billion in Mexico over the next five years.  The company recently acquired five electricity generating plants in the country and plans further expansion in the energy sector.
• Automotive: Nissan Mexicana plans to invest US$600 million to begin producing two additional auto models at the company’s Aguascalientes plant in 2011 and 2012.  Mexico was chosen over various Asian countries considered for the production of the new versions of Nissan’s March model.
• Food Processing: Mexican dairy processor Lechera Guadalajara opened the country’s second largest milk dehydrating plant, following investment of approximately US$10 million.  The company is also currently building an additional plant to produce cheese and candy.
• Energy: The western sate of Jalisco will get its first wind energy park by the end of 2011, currently in development by Eoliatec de Mexico.  The US$100 million facility is projected to have a total capacity of 60MW, which will be supplied to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).
• Real Estate: AMResorts announced plans to build two luxury hotels in Puerta Vallarta through investment of a projected US$150 million.  The project is hoped to help reactivate long sluggish hotel development in the area.
• Paper: Mexican paper and packaging materials manufacturer Bio-PAPPEL will invest approximately US$250 million over the next four years to build five new production plants.  Formerly known as Corporación Durango (Codusa), the firm plans to incorporate electricity generating plants into each of its new production facilities.
• Infrastructure: The Mexican government is projecting private sector investment in infrastructure development of up to US$34 billion between 2010 – 2012.  The largest share of the investment is expected to be in telecommunications, with roads, ports, water management and airports receiving significant capital as well.

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

• Logistics:  Hong Kong-based Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) announced major investments planned for Mexico in 2010 despite the down economy.  Projects anticipated by the global port leader, which invested over USD32 million in the Mexican port of Lazaro Cardenas in 2009, include further expansion of infrastructure at Lazaro Cardenas, an inland port and container terminal in the central state of Hidalgo, new warehouse space at the port of Manzanillo and a commercial development at the Ensenada cruise ship terminal.
• Biofuels: Mexico’s own Integramex plans to invest approximately USD100 million to construct two plants to produce biodiesel and generate electricity from material extracted from landfills.  The plants, intended to provide fuel and electricity to the highly industrialized Toluca area outside of Mexico City, seeks to capitalize on opportunities to obtain carbon credits.
• Telecommunications: Telmex, Mexico’s largest fixed telephony service provider, announced several hundred million dollars in projected investments for 2010.  The plans include the creation of 20 new customer service centers throughout the country.
• Biofuels: Mexico-based BioFields, backed by Grupo Gondi, the country’s second largest producer of recycled cardboard, announced that in 2010 they will launch a long-term project to produce ethanol from algae.  The massive production facility, to be constructed in the north western state of Sonora, will require investment of approximately USD850 million and make use of technology developed in the United States.
• Software: Jalisco’s software industry continues to register robust growth.  The Chapala Media Park, targeted to open by the end of December 2009, will concentrate companies specialized in multimedia and animation.  A second facility, the Ciudad Guzmán Software Park, is planned to open in 2010 and focus on information technology and agribusiness.
• Tourism: Despite posting losses in 2009, two hotel groups announced they will move ahead with investments for 2010.  AMResorts will open new hotels in the beach resorts of Huatulco and Nuevo Vallarta with combined investment of over USD400 million, and Hilton Hotels intends to initiate presence in the cities of Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco via franchising or administration contracts.