Mexico’s industrial corridors are transforming the country’s manufacturing environment, with the Zumpango-AIFA corridor standing out as the most dynamic stretch. This area, initially centered on a cargo airport, now accounts for twice the industrial space absorption compared to the rest of the Mexico City metropolitan region, according to Newmark México.
Zumpango-AIFA leads with record demand
Samuel Campos, executive managing director of Newmark México, emphasized that the T-MEXPARK complex within the corridor is experiencing unprecedented demand. The absorption rate exceeds that of other zones, fueled by nearby population centers and a technical education system that supplies trained workers. Campos suggested that expanding the airport to include passenger services could further boost profitability. The corridor’s strategic location near major highways also facilitates efficient movement of goods to ports on both coasts.
Hernán Montemayor, managing director of ROCA Desarrollos, noted that Mexico’s industrial activity continues to center on established markets, which he categorizes as primary and secondary. Secondary markets are expanding through specialized production and new supply-chain integrations.
Northern hubs expand into specialized sectors
Montemayor pointed to the Laguna region near Torreón as an example of how institutional developers can drive growth. The arrival of anchor firms like Ternium created a supply-chain ecosystem that attracted additional investment. He also predicted a natural submarket would develop between Monterrey and Saltillo, supported by existing infrastructure that would streamline component transfers between the cities.
Felipe Colomo of Copachisa observed that while large-scale greenfield projects have slowed, developers are focusing on expanding existing facilities. About 80% of current projects involve enlarging or retrofitting plants rather than building new ones. This trend extends to border towns like Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juárez, and Mexicali, where manufacturers are shifting from basic assembly to higher-value products such as medical devices and semiconductors. Colomo noted that Taiwanese firms are now the primary exporters from Ciudad Juárez, accounting for a significant portion of shipments to the United States.
Talent shortages remain a critical constraint. Montemayor argued that without a steady pipeline of skilled workers, even the best-developed infrastructure cannot attract firms. He criticized the common practice of building industrial parks before investing in education, stating that the sequence should be reversed. Campos added that graduates from southeastern technical schools often migrate to established hubs like Querétaro, Guanajuato, or Monterrey, worsening regional labor gaps.
Southern regions show potential but face hurdles
Beyond the northern border, the southern region presents a distinct opportunity. Campos identified the Tapachula-Tuxtla Gutiérrez-Coatzacoalcos axis as a potential agroindustrial corridor over the next decade. The area’s fertile land and steady food demand make it a natural candidate, though infrastructure and logistics remain significant obstacles. While federal investments in industrial parks in Mérida and Progreso have begun, these projects have not yet matched the activity levels of northern hubs.
Industrial Expansion Reflects Market Adaptation Over Evolution
Discussions at the Industrial & Logistics Summit 2026 highlighted how the growth of these corridors depends on more than just land availability and construction. Specialists noted that the expansion relies on transforming production activities, attracting anchor companies, and improving regional infrastructure to support supply chains. The ability to integrate providers and logistics networks determines whether a market can sustain long-term development.
Labor and logistics remain key challenges
As manufacturing shifts toward higher-value products—including medical devices and semiconductors in border towns—the logistics sector continues to adapt. Colomo warned that without skilled labor, even advanced facilities risk underutilization. The current approach of prioritizing industrial park construction over workforce development often leaves gaps in labor readiness.