CANACINTRA Chihuahua strengthens industrial supplier development to enhance the state’s manufacturing competitiveness

Chihuahua has positioned itself as one of Mexico’s most robust manufacturing hubs and a strategic platform within North America’s industrial landscape. Its long-standing industrial base, cross-border integration, and business-friendly environment have enabled the state to sustain a high level of competitiveness across multiple sectors.

From the perspective of CANACINTRA Chihuahua, this strength is the result of a combination of structural advantages that have been built over decades.

“Chihuahua is one of the states with the strongest industrial vocation in Mexico and one of the most solid manufacturing platforms in North America,” said Alicia Terrazas, Executive Director of CANACINTRA Chihuahua.

One of the state’s most relevant assets is its strategic location along the U.S.-Mexico border, which allows direct integration with the North American market and enables more efficient supply chain operations for highly specialized industries.

Today, Chihuahua’s manufacturing sector generates more than 340,000 direct jobs, particularly in industries such as transportation equipment, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. In addition, the state reports nearly 965,000 registered workers and over 41,000 employers, reflecting the scale and strength of its productive base.

Over 80 years representing and evolving with Chihuahua’s industrial sector

With more than 80 years of presence in the city of Chihuahua, the chamber has evolved alongside the manufacturing sector, adapting to technological change, global market integration, and increasing competitiveness requirements.

“Over the decades, we have grown together with the industry, continuously adapting to technological transformation and new global trade dynamics,” Terrazas explained.

As part of a national network with more than 70 delegations, CANACINTRA also contributes to strengthening industrial coordination across regions and enhancing the voice of the productive sector at a national level.

This effort has been critical in strengthening local supplier networks, a key component in today’s context of supply chain relocation and nearshoring.

Business connectivity as a driver of industrial growth

One of CANACINTRA Chihuahua’s main strengths lies in its ability to connect key stakeholders within the industrial ecosystem.

Through regular meetings, working groups, and structured dialogue platforms, the chamber facilitates collaboration between companies, suppliers, academic institutions, and strategic partners.

A central component of this strategy is the development of industry clusters and specialized committees, led by experienced advisors who ensure that initiatives are aligned with real industry needs.

Among its most notable initiatives is Switch Industrial, a platform designed to foster business matchmaking through B2B meetings between buyers and suppliers, strengthening local supply chains.

Nearshoring and advanced manufacturing: a strategic opportunity for Chihuahua

Global supply chain reconfiguration is creating a unique opportunity for industrial states like Chihuahua. Key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, metalworking, electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and electromobility show strong growth potential in the short and medium term.

To fully capture these opportunities, two factors are essential: specialized talent and the development of local suppliers. Investing in specialized talent allows companies to operate more advanced processes and move into higher value-added segments within global supply chains.

Chihuahua: a strategic platform for industrial growth in North America

For companies evaluating expansion opportunities, Chihuahua offers a highly competitive and well-established industrial environment. Businesses entering the state benefit from robust infrastructure, a skilled workforce, strategic location, and a collaborative business ecosystem.

Additionally, a growing base of local suppliers continues to strengthen its capabilities through process improvement, certifications, and professionalization.

“Chihuahua is not only a competitive destination for manufacturing; it is a strategic platform to grow, innovate, and integrate into North America’s industrial value chains,” Terrazas concluded.

In the current global context, the state continues to position itself as one of the most relevant industrial hubs in North America.