Chihuahua has emerged as one of Mexico’s most dynamic and globally integrated industrial centers, consolidating its reputation as a national leader in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and export performance. The Chihuahuan industry stands as a model of economic diversification and technological progress, driven by a strong network of multinational corporations, local enterprises, and public–private collaboration.
Strategic Advantages of Global Manufacturing
The state’s geographic location is one of its most strategic assets. Bordering Texas and New Mexico, Chihuahua provides direct access to North American markets through a highly developed network of highways, railways, and international border crossings. The logistics corridor connecting Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua City, and Delicias allows for seamless movement of goods between Mexico, the United States, and Canada, making it a prime location for companies engaged in nearshoring and export-oriented production.
Modern infrastructure has also played a decisive role in enhancing competitiveness. Chihuahua’s industrial parks are equipped with advanced utilities, security systems, and multimodal transport connections, while specialized customs facilities streamline international trade. These capabilities are complemented by a growing ecosystem of suppliers and service providers, which together sustain the agility and efficiency of the Chihuahuan industry.
Economic Leadership in Exports
According to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, Chihuahua exported more than USD 77 billion in 2024, a 6.89% increase from the previous year. This performance accounted for approximately 13.6% of Mexico’s total exports, underscoring the state’s strategic importance to national trade. The main exported goods include data processing machines, electrical cables, medical instruments, automotive components, and high-tech electronics. Each of these sectors benefits from a robust industrial ecosystem that integrates advanced manufacturing technologies, lean production practices, and specialized labor. The state’s export profile reflects its transition toward high-value, knowledge-intensive production, positioning Chihuahua as a vital link in global value chains.
A Magnet for Investment and Innovation
The state’s investment appeal continues to grow. Over the past decade, Chihuahua has attracted billions of dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI) from North America, Europe, and Asia. Its industrial parks in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua City, and Parral have expanded rapidly, hosting multinational leaders in automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing. This expansion is supported by government programs that offer incentives for innovation, training, and sustainable industrial development. The Chihuahuan government, in partnership with the federal Ministry of Economy, provides financial tools and technical assistance to promote research, technology transfer, and workforce development. These measures ensure that Chihuahuan industry maintains its competitive edge while fostering inclusive economic growth.
10 Companies That Reflect the Industrial Strength of Chihuahua
- Ford – Automotive and Auto Parts
The Ford Chihuahua Engine Complex, comprising three major production facilities, is an essential part of Ford’s global manufacturing network. By producing high-efficiency engines for export to North America and Europe, Ford contributes significantly to the local economy. The company also partners with universities and technical institutes to nurture local engineering talent and strengthen the automotive supply chain.
- Jabil – Electronics and Advanced Manufacturing
Jabil manufactures high-precision electronics for computing, telecommunications, and medical devices. Its Chihuahua operations have created thousands of direct jobs and spurred the development of local suppliers, further solidifying the region’s reputation for advanced manufacturing excellence.
- Foxconn – Technology Assembly and Consumer Electronics
Foxconn, the Taiwanese multinational, operates one of Mexico’s largest electronics assembly plants in Chihuahua. The facility manufactures products for global technology brands and has become a magnet for Asian suppliers, deepening the state’s integration into the global electronics value chain.
- Safran – Aerospace and Engines
Global aerospace leader Safran has transformed Chihuahua into one of its most important production hubs in the Americas. The company’s facilities produce components for aircraft engines and aeronautical systems, supporting Mexico’s ambition to be a top-five global aerospace manufacturing nation.
- Interceramic – Construction and Ceramic Materials
Founded in Chihuahua, Interceramic is a world-class producer of tiles and coatings, exporting to more than 20 countries. Its advanced production facilities exemplify how local companies have scaled globally while maintaining roots in the Chihuahuan industry.
- Honeywell Aerospace – Aerospace Technology
Honeywell Aerospace manufactures navigation systems, sensors, and precision components for the global aerospace market from its Chihuahua facility. The company collaborates with local engineers and research centers to implement Industry 4.0 technologies and develop high-value innovations.
- Grupo Bafar – Agribusiness and Processed Foods
Grupo Bafar, headquartered in Chihuahua, is one of Mexico’s largest meat processing companies. With an emphasis on sustainability, traceability, and food safety, Bafar has diversified its exports and set benchmarks for modern agribusiness practices.
- Grupo Cementos de Chihuahua (GCC) – Infrastructure and Construction Materials
GCC plays a key role in infrastructure development across North America. From its Chihuahuan base, it supplies cement and concrete for major construction projects in Mexico and the southern United States. Recent investments focus on decarbonization and renewable energy use, reinforcing its environmental leadership.
- BRP – Recreational Vehicles and Engines
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) manufactures personal watercraft, ATVs, and Rotax engines in Ciudad Juárez. Its products reach more than 100 countries, underscoring Chihuahua’s role as a global hub for recreational mobility manufacturing.
10 ZF – Auto Parts and Automotive Safety Systems
The German company ZF produces advanced braking, steering, and transmission systems for next-generation vehicles in Chihuahua. Its continuous investment in automation and quality improvement aligns with the transformation of the Chihuahuan industry toward smart manufacturing.
Workforce Excellence and Education
The success of Chihuahua’s manufacturing economy is closely linked to its human capital. The state’s universities and technical institutes—such as the Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, and Instituto Tecnológico de Ciudad Juárez—provide a steady pipeline of engineers and technicians trained in mechatronics, robotics, and industrial design. Public–private initiatives, including dual education programs, allow students to gain practical experience in multinational companies while pursuing academic training. This model has proven essential for maintaining productivity, innovation, and workforce adaptability within the Chihuahuan industry.
Toward Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing
Chihuahua’s industrial evolution is increasingly defined by digitalization, sustainability, and technological integration. The adoption of Industry 4.0 principles—such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven production—is transforming operations across multiple sectors. Moreover, the state has prioritized environmental responsibility. Companies are investing in renewable energy, waste reduction, and water recycling initiatives to align with global sustainability goals. For instance, GCC’s decarbonization plan and BRP’s implementation of circular economy practices showcase how manufacturers in Chihuahua are adapting to a greener industrial model.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Chihuahua aims to become a continental hub for smart manufacturing and industrial innovation. With more than 490 IMMEX establishments, robust binational trade links, and an expanding network of industrial parks, the state offers an ideal platform for companies seeking to integrate into global supply chains. The government’s continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and workforce development ensures that the Chihuahuan industry will remain competitive in the decades to come. Through collaboration between public institutions, private companies, and research centers, Chihuahua is not only strengthening its industrial legacy but also shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in North America.