As global manufacturers rethink supply chains in response to shifting economic and geopolitical dynamics, Mérida is emerging as a city to watch. Central Business Park (CBPark), a large-scale eco-industrial development in Yucatán, is positioning itself as a key player in Mexico’s nearshoring wave, offering infrastructure and location advantages designed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.
Nearshoring as a global strategy
The conversation around nearshoring has intensified in the last three years. After the huge impact of COVID-19 and related lockdowns on decentralizing costs and efficiency, multinationals once heavily invested in Asia are searching for alternatives and nearshoring seems the right choice. Industry experts note that Mexico is one of the key countries to take advantage of this momentum. Proximity to the US and competitive labor costs are helping the shift, alongside a working culture that has emerged in recent years. Sustainability, high-quality infrastructures and qualified personnel are crucial variants in this equation.
As economist and professor at UAM Celso Garrida points out, “Mexico has the advantage as a nearshoring destination that has been built up over more than six decades with the presence of specific elements for the operation of maquiladora export industries with legislation that clearly establishes the operating conditions for companies and the permanence in Mexico of complex GVCs in the framework of the USMCA, with a clear system of intellectual property protection.”
CBPark’s role in Yucatán’s industrial growth
CBPark, located just outside the city of Mérida, exemplifies this new chapter for Mexican adjacent companies. 138 hectares divided into three development sectors make the park a perfect spot for land parcels, ready-to-lease industrial buildings, and build-to-suit solutions tailored to investors’ needs. The park’s location is also crucially important: just 25 minutes from Mérida International Airport and 45 minutes from maritime hub of Puerto Progreso. A skilled labor pool is supplied by the proximity with universities and urban centers, and stable labor costs are significantly appealing.
“Mexico has maintained the lowest and most stable labor costs from 2008 to 2022, unlike countries like China, where costs have risen sharply” can be read on CBPark’s website. “This makes Mexico a strategic choice for nearshoring, offering cost efficiency and proximity to North American markets”.
Infrastructure designed for modern demands
For many manufacturers, industrial parks have become essential to decentralize operations without going to the other side of the world. CBPark is especially appreciated for its 28,000 m² truck parking area, and underground utility networks for electricity, fiber optics, and water. Even more important is the state, federal and municipal certifications the park boasts, offering safety and regulatory certainty to companies across different industries.
Sustainability as a Priority
Nearshoring is also gaining attention because of its affiliation with sustainable practices. Reducing transportation costs and emissions is a crucial preoccupation for industries all over the world. While this attention to an eco-conscious development is mandatory for some companies; on the other hand a greener, more sustainable supply chain is more and more important to attract partners and customers.
Broader economic implications
The arrival of manufacturing operations in Yucatán carries significant implications for the region’s economy and development. Facilities like CBPark help create jobs, stimulate suppliers and propel new exciting university programs. Yucatán is also investing in security and safety, with both citizens and companies benefitting from the low crime rates accomplished.
“Security in Yucatán, Mexico has become a significant draw for businesses and residents alike” is stated by the business park. “Mérida, the capital of the state, stands out as one of the safest cities in the Americas. This reputation for tranquility and low crime rates makes it an ideal location for families and companies looking to establish roots in a secure environment”.
Opportunities across industries
A wide array of companies can benefit from CBPark’s infrastructure and facilities. Aerospace, automotive, electronics, plastics, textiles and high-tech are among the industries that are using its services. Nearshoring is considered especially important for industries that are time-sensitive in some capacity. Medical devices and electronic equipment, for instance, benefit from fast delivery and short travelling time.
A region poised for global integration
Manufacturers are increasingly sensitive to the right balance of sustainability, high quality and time management. This is where a global hub such as CBPark enters the picture by offering a ready-to-operate platform. The perfect combination of logistical stability and labor costs is particularly appealing for global industries trying to get reduced tariffs and streamlined processes for their supply chain.
About CBPark
Central Business Park (CBPark) is an industrial real estate development located in Mérida, Yucatán. Designed to support global manufacturers through land sales, build-to-suit solutions, and ready-to-lease buildings, the park combines strategic location, modern infrastructure, and sustainability. With certifications at federal, state, and municipal levels, CBPark provides companies with the certainty and tools to successfully implement nearshoring and reshoring strategies.
For further information, visit https://cbpmx.com/en.