Phoenix, Arizona and Tijuana, Mexico. Binational cooperation between businesses and business advocacy organizations has a long history, especially for those on the southern US border. Over the last two months, the San Diego based Co-Production International (CPI) and the Phoenix-based Aerospace Arizona, have participated in a two-part manufacturing trade exchange bringing businesses in Arizona and México together.

"Aerospace Arizona is committed to advancing and promoting the Aerospace industry in our state. One of the ways we provide value to our members through networking and business opportunities such as the seminar with Co-Production International. This seminar was the second part of a manufacturing trade trip where members of Aerospace Arizona traveled to Tijuana Mexico to learn more about using manufacturing shelter companies in Mexico to grow their businesses", said Mignonne Hollis, Executive Director of the Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation (AREDF).

AREDF is the founder of Aerospace Arizona, an association dedicated to growing the already burgeoning aerospace and UAV industries in the state that boasts over 1,200 companies engaged in the market. Arizona also ranks 5th in the United States for aerospace employment. Dedicated to helping companies innovate and succeed, Aerospace Arizona first traveled to Tijuana in March this year. Participating in a CPI-led real estate and factory tour, members from Arizona were treated to an up-close look at world-class manufacturing operations in Tijuana, home to Mexico’s largest concentration of aerospace manufacturers. With over a 50-year history in aeronautical manufacturing, Tijuana and Baja California are already home to over 80 manufacturers including giants such as Lockheed Martin, UTC Aerospace Systems, Honeywell and Eaton. The climax of the CPI tour took place at ICON Aircraft’s new facility which was announced just this year.

"As ICON Aircraft’s shelter services and human resources provider, CPI was thrilled to showcase the buildout of their new 300,000 square foot facility in Tijuana to the delegation from Arizona. ICON’s facility in México will be responsible for building composite airframe components while working hand-in-hand with their facility in Vacaville, CA. It is this type of cooperation and co-production between our two countries that fosters innovation and keeps manufacturers competitive in their markets", said Veronica Contreras, Business Development Director for CPI.

CPI then traveled to Arizona in May as the second part of the manufacturing international trade exchange. The co-hosted seminar in Phoenix focused on the details and was attended by members representing Arizona aerospace and UAV industries. CPI walked attendees through the start-up and overhead costs of manufacturing in Mexico, highlighting the savings that can be achieved in labor, real estate, the supply chain and tariffs. Feedback by members was very positive, noting the potential of working with CPI to grow and expand their businesses. Additional discussion focused on the possibility of pursuing cross-border discussions with Arizona business leaders covering additive manufacturing, unmanned systems and fostering exchanges between ASU Poly Campus and university institutions in Tijuana.

Arizona’s relationship with México both as a neighbor and a trade partner is very important to us. At Aerospace Arizona, we believe that building connections and collaboration in the aerospace industry across borders as something that will help businesses to thrive in both of our countries. We view this area as a megaregion without seeing borders," said Hollis.

Does your company or business advocacy organization want to see Tijuana’s manufacturing industries first-hand?