Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing in Mexico

Mexico’s aerospace industry  has sustained a strong reputation for decades, positioning itself as the sixth largest supplier of aerospace products to the US, China, Singapore, Taiwan and South Korea.

Major international and US defense contractors such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Smiths Interconnect, and Delphi, established operations in Mexico during the late 80’s and early 90’s. It hasn’t stopped there – recently ICON Aircraft and Burrana joined other major manufacturers expanding into the border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali, Mexico.

CPI worked with Smiths Interconnect to expand their worldwide manufacturing activities into the northern border City of Tijuana and has continued to support their activities in the region over the last decade. When Domingo Matos, Head of Operations for Smiths, was asked about the main driver to expand manufacturing into Mexico, he explained:

"I think first and foremost is the level of talent that is available in Tijuana to support our industry. If you look back the number of technical schools, the number of business schools that have been developed, the fact that there are multiple decades of world class companies coming into the area that provide the training ground really for a world class workforce, that is absolutely one of the biggest contributors,”

Top Aerospace Companies in Mexico and Baja California

The State of Baja California has the  largest concentration of aerospace companies, and therefore a large aerospace supply chain. It is home to over 82 aerospace companies and more than 28,000 employees for design, assembly, manufacture and MRO. Baja California is known for being  the Mexican State with the most dynamic binational aerospace economic activity, excellent access to  NAFTA  and easy access logistically for raw materials, components and machinery. Baja California has also the only Binational Aerospace Cluster in Mexico.

Thermal processes
Aerospace components
Aircraft components
Aircraft composite structures
Assembly or manufacture of harnesses and wires
Airframe parts

Components for landing systems
Machining and metal turbine parts
Precision equipment
Audio and video systems, electronic components
Maintenance and repair of aircraft interiors
Maintenance and repair of turbines
… And more!

Baja California Aerospace Cluster

The United States attracts two thirds of Baja California's exports. The rest goes to Canada, England, France and Germany, among other countries. It should be noted that exports to these countries have maintained a sustained growth since 2002. Baja California focuses its  innovation capabilities  on  complete integration  aircraft testing and interior design. In  terms of manufacturing, the state specializes in precision machining, electrical and power systems, hydraulic systems  and interiors and metal plate conformation processes. Some manufacturing  companies have internal capabilities for special processes, thermal and surface treatments. They also perform MRO activities on engine parts.

This progress is further fueled by the  Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA), under which manufactured aerospace parts, components, systems, completely assembled and/or manufactured aircrafts are certified by the Mexico's aeronautical authority in collaboration with US and other aerospace regulation agencies. CPI’s client BAP Aerospace de Mexico (Barry Avenue Plating) made sure their Tijuana facility carried the same compliance and certifications as their US plant including, Nadcap, AS 9011 and ISO 9002 certifications. Aircraft manufacturers repair facilities in Baja California have also been approved by the FAA.

For all these reasons and many more, we invite you to visit us so you can see first-hand why Baja California is the Mexican frontier for aerospace and defense manufacturing:

Proximity to the California and North American markets
Infrastructure and communication development
Young, educated and service oriented population

Knowledge and technology transfer capabilities
Pro-business environment and aerospace cluster integration
Manufacturing flexibility

International Suppliers for Every Industry

A Workforce Educated Just for You

The region boasts a school-to-work pipeline aerospace industry well supported by infrastructure and universities. Honeywell has established a testing lab and wind tunnel in Mexicali that has over 400 engineers all locally sourced. They have partners directly with the well-regarded universities in the region to funnel talent directly into their workforce.

The regional government is working to supplement overall development which includes the industry's design and engineering output. It also focuses on providing well-trained and efficient labor to companies manufacturing in Mexico by introducing advanced aerospace curriculums in leading training and education institutions. This  workforce  will be idea l for handling simple to complex aerospace jobs.

Industrial Plant and Product Certifications

NAFTA and Free Import for Aerospace Parts

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA/USMCA) has allowed various industrial sectors free or low tariffs for the import and export of products since 1994. Additionally, Mexico created the Special Aerospace Tariff Section 9806.00.06 & .05 that allows for free imports into Mexico to assemble or manufacture aircraft or aircraft parts. This special section also allows for goods to be imported with no tariffs for the maintenance and repair of aircraft and aircraft parts.

This means you can bring your aerospace manufacturing operations to Mexico without incurring additional costs on parts and components supply through the import process!

At  Co-Production International,  we know the fine requirements for aerospace and defense manufacturing industries. From the accreditations and certifications required by the FAA, ITAR, to Nadcap, we’ve helped companies like Smiths interconnect, Burrana, ICON Aircraft and BAP Aerospace open successful and profitable operations in Mexico.