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Mexico’s electronics manufacturing industry bloomed with the signing of the NAFTA agreement in the 90’s. Most of the major contract electronics manufacturing (CEM) companies established operations in Guadalajara; the region offered many corporeal benefits since other semiconductor, computer, and telecom manufacturers had already situated local high tech manufacturing capabilities there. From 2000 to 2003 the industry suffered the negative impact of the relocation of many manufacturers to Asia. As a result, Guadalajara amended its central competencies and has been flourishing in transitioning to advanced supplementary value projects: high/low-volume mix, engineering, testing and custom solutions. Through the fostering of technical programs in universities, the construction of scalable infrastructure and government incentives, the electronics manufacturing industry is now capable of delivering intricate engineering and native design in mid-markets and verticals such as aerospace, medical, automotive and others. Initiating the refinement of projects and management of existing infrastructure initially built for electronics manufacturing, a vigorous diversification developed, drawing projects from other sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and telecom equipment. New federal programs are sustaining higher value-added capabilities have benefited Guadalajara’s high tech manufacturing industry. Education in Guadalajara: As an accurately urbanized knowledge network, higher education and preparation in advanced technology is an ingredient that is endemic to Guadalajara. Guadalajara’s metropolitan area includes over twenty universities with high tech and IT courses, and graduates more than 6,500 engineers per year. Local research centers join forces directly with the private sector, creating PhD programs for applied research. These are often supported by Mexican government funds. The innovation of curriculum and mechanical programs to keep pace with the shifting requirements of the high tech industry is a major priority in the region. In addition to universities and research centers, specific certification programs funded by the government have been established to enhance competitiveness of manufacturing ompanies in Guadalajara. The aptitude and academic capabilities of the Guadalajara metropolitan area are world-class and highly simulated by a concentrated industry-government-academy partnership for research programs and curriculum configuration. Guadalajara has one of the highest skill rankings in Mexico for electronics production and computer manufacturing. Guadalajara is an essential hub of universities and educational centers with national esteem. The city has become the center of engineering development in Mexico. It’s estimated that Mexico is now graduating the same number or more engineers than the U.S. The most important academic institution in the city is the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. Guadalajara is also home to ITESO, a Jesuit university and has campuses of several other private schools. The population has a 92% literacy rate, which is in accord with the national average. The city also hosts The American School Foundation of Guadalajara, which has 1,420 students in pre-school through twelfth grade; it’s only US-accredited school in the metropolitan area. Guadalajara Transportation: Guadalajara is well connected by modern highways to Mexico City, the Northwest and the major beach resorts. The main highways are: Highway 15 (connects the city northwest to Nogales, Sonora and east to Mexico City), Highway 80D (leads northwest towards Aguascalientes), and Highway 54D (leads south to the coast). The city’s airport is called the Don Miguel Hidalgo Y Costilla International Airport (Guadalajara international airport). It is the third most active in the country with direct flights to many Mexican and American cities. Guadalajara Politics: Guadalajara’s chronicle in terms of political and economic stability has been a positive factor in attracting investment over time. Although the city’s economy has been affected somewhat adversely by the recent global economic recession, all economic indicators point towards a quick revival and an inclination towards renewed stability. One of the most significant achievements from the distinct administrations that have governed Guadalajara’s metropolitan area in recent years is the consensus to support development in determined economic sectors, specifically the high-tech industry. At the state and municipality level, all major governing parties have had established and peaceful transitions of power, and have protected and continued key economic development programs. Guadalajara and its surrounding metropolitan area receive over $250 million USD per year in government incentives from state and federal economic development programs. The fostering of the development of manufacturing projects in Guadalajara is a high priority, as the sector contributes with over 15,000 jobs and accounts for sixty percent of the city’s exports. The electronics contract manufacturers have transitioned most of their sourcing to local suppliers that are certified under quality standards with government funding. A growing electronics industry in Guadalajara will, however, require that more suppliers establish operations there. Electronics Manufacturing Services in Guadalajara: As previously mentioned, Guadalajara’s high tech industry contributes sixty percent of the state’s total exports. This is currently the situation despite the loss of projects to low cost regions in the 2000s. The reoriented focus on high mix/ low volume products brought a new influx of higher value-add competitive disciplines that have consistently benefitted Guadalajara, and will continue to do so moving forward. Guadalajara has acquired the nickname of the “Silicon Valley of Mexico” by the electronics and information technology sectors. It is the main producer of software, electronic and digital components in Mexico. Although employment in the electronics industry in Guadalajara is at its highest level ever, many electronics manufacturing companies are looking to transfer their operations from the more volatile border regions to the City. Government incentives and grants are still available for companies wanting to establish operations in Jalisco.  Steven is the director of corporate marketing for the Tucson, Arizona-based Offshore Group. The Offshore Group has enabled businesses to establish and start-up low-cost and low-risk operations since 1986 Steve has been working in the area of U.S. -Mexico manufacturing and trade for the past twenty years, and is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese Manufacturing in Mexico , Mexico Shelter Companies
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