The Advantages of Manufacturing in Mexico

The Advantages of Manufacturing in Mexico

By Jose J. Ruiz

Mexico has replaced China as American companies’ most favorite manufacturing base. It is favored due to various reasons, one of which is it helps to boost the American economy since most raw materials used in those maquiladoras are imported from the USA.

While the ultimate advantage of offshoring the manufacturing to Mexico is the reduced expenses and increased profits for US companies, there are at least ten other advantages.

First, Mexico has free-trade agreements with 44 countries. With the USA, the American Free Trade Agreement (AFTA) allows manufacturers in Mexico to access businesses in USA and Canada. The Mexico government provides an environment where foreign investments are encouraged.

Second, labor productivity is high and wages are relatively lower than China. Labor wages in Mexico is 30 percent lower than in China. Mexican laborers are also renowned for their strong skills in equipment parts and labor-incentive industries, which is a plus.

Third, low energy cost due to inexpensive gas. Electricity costs are relatively high, but Mexico’s gas price is renowned for being significantly lower than in USA and China. This fact would encourage US businesses to use gas, which is relatively cleaner for the environment.

Fourth, better control of intellectual property rights. With various bilateral agreements between USA and Mexico, American companies have better control of patents, copyrights, and trademarks.

Fifth, lower transportation and warehousing expenses. Cross-border land transportation and warehousing drive cost even lower. Thus, expenses saved can be used for other profit-centric activities.

Sixth, availability of highly skilled laborers in the manufacturing of certain industries. Mexican laborers are known for their strong skills in automaking and equipment industries, and other labor-intensive industries, such as clothing and textile industries.

Seventh, similar cultures, minimal language barrier, and closer time zones between USA and Mexico for more efficient management.   Many Mexicans have relatives residing in the USA and the cultural exchanges have occurred for centuries. Spanish is also a popular language in the USA, making communication barrier almost non-existent. Moreover, English-speaking middle management workforce are plenty.

Eighth, with increased standard of living, Mexico would make a great market for products manufactured there. With $10,000 annual GDP per capita, Mexicans have plenty of disposable income. More American products find their market in Mexico, and for products manufactured there, it translates to even lower distribution and warehousing costs.

Ninth, excellent access to highly-educated workforce, as Mexico City is the home of 38 colleges and universities and Tijuana home of 58. These higher education institutions produce thousands of skilled and educated young individuals, who are ready to be trained to perform as managers and liaisons.

Tenth, lower medical costs for laborers and educated workforce. The USA is notorious for its high medical costs. With lower medical costs in Mexico, American companies can afford to hire more employees.

In conclusion, manufacturing Mexico allows American companies to save costs and use a greater portion of their profits for research and product development. This, in return, would increase more production to be manufactured in Mexico. The maquiladora industry provides Mexico with good employment, economic stability, and foreign exchange. A win-win relationship, indeed.

ABOUT JOSE J. RUIZ

Jose Ruiz serves as Alder Koten’s Chief Executive Officer providing vision, strategic direction and the roadmap for the executive recruiting firm’s future. He is also involved in executive search work focused on board members, CEOs and senior-level executives; and consulting engagements related to leadership and organizational effectiveness helping clients create thriving cultures. An important part of his time is spent on research work focused on organizational effectiveness centered on leadership and culture. Prior to joining Alder Koten, Jose was a Principal with Heidrick & Struggles’ Global Industrial Practice based in Houston, TX and Monterrey, Mexico. His professional experience also includes leadership positions in engineering and operations management for manufacturing organizations in the US and Mexico. This experience includes serving as vice president and general manager at Holley Performance Products. Jose serves on the board of Shelmex and on America’s Council of the Association of Executive Search Consultants where he also chairs the Boutique and Independent Search Firm Forum.

Jose holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Gonzaga University and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and electrical engineering from the Instituto Technologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. He is fluent in English and Spanish.

Jose can be reached at jose.ruiz@alderkoten or at his office in Houston +1 (713) 476–9000

ABOUT ALDER KOTEN

Alder Koten has recruiters and research teams in Mexico and the United States. The firm was founded in 2011. Its headquarters are located in Houston and it has offices in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City with partner firms in New York, Boston, Chicago, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and United Kingdom. Alder Koten recruiters serve multiple industries including automotive, building products, construction & projects, consumer markets, energy & chemicals, equipment & industrial products, financial services, life sciences, medical devices, maquiladora, mining & metals, professional services, renewable resources, technology, and transportation & logistics. The firm is a proud standing member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants. The Association of Executive Search Consultants was founded in 1959 as the Association of Executive Recruiting Consultants (AERC) for the dual purposes of creating a professional association for the most competent and reputable search firms, and for providing clients and prospective clients a means by which to differentiate qualified and ethical practitioners.