Faced with a limited availability of space for new industrial buildings intended for the logistics sector in Mexico, companies are evolving towards vertical integration as a response and agile strategy to optimize facilities in record time.

In this context, “growing upwards” has become a crucial measure for maintaining the flow of goods without waiting months for facility construction. Based on this scenario, PM STEELE, a company that offers office furniture and storage solutions, has identified a shift in the roadmap for industrial projects.

“What we see in 2025 is not just a matter of capacity, but of strategy. Companies are understanding that leveraging height generates more returns than acquiring more land. When a warehouse grows upwards without interrupting operations, it gains immediate flexibility and paves the way for future automation,” said Manuel Farías, Deputy Director of Storage Systems at the company.

He indicated that, instead of looking for external land, companies are redesigning the interior of their warehouses with systems such as self-supporting racks , which are structures so solid that, in addition to organizing the load, they function as the base that supports the roof and walls of the building.

This shift is redefining the planning of distribution centers in the country, where the focus is now on infrastructures that allow for a greater volume of inventory and that are prepared for the technological demands that are coming.

Furthermore, this model has gained relevance in industries such as food, beverages, retail , e-commerce , pharmaceuticals and logistics operators (3PL) , sectors where every cubic meter is vital and where gaining height is more profitable, especially when the market changes rapidly or the deadlines for expansion are very short.

Farías mentioned that the use of self-supporting racks allows companies to integrate robotic technology as their operations require, without having to rebuild the building or interrupt daily work. This model has become key for supply chains that now operate under high-precision standards.

“The pressure for speed and accuracy is increasing across all supply chains. Companies that prepare their structure for automation later have clear advantages. It’s not about buying technology, but about having the infrastructure ready to support it,” he emphasized.

He added that by the start of 2026, the trend of optimizing space within the building itself is consolidating as the most agile alternative to the saturation of land , thus confirming that taking advantage of height not only solves an immediate storage need, but also leaves the base ready for when the pace of the market demands taking the step towards automated processes.

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El cargo Vertical growth, an option in the face of limited availability of new industrial buildings apareció primero en T21.

In order to optimize their operations, companies in the logistics sector in Mexico are adopting innovative solutions, where automation in storage is gaining relevance, especially in specialized logistics such as the cold chain , considered Mauricio Pascacio Sánchez , head of Storage Systems at PM STEELE , a company that offers office furniture solutions and storage systems.

For Mauricio Pascacio, the growth of the cold chain in Mexico is due to several factors, such as the increased demand for perishable goods, including food, medicines, and pharmaceuticals, as well as the expansion of international trade, with products crossing countries and continents.

The sector has also been driven by the need to maintain product quality and safety during transportation and storage, as well as investment in specialized infrastructure and temperature control technologies.

In an interview with T21 , the specialist pointed out that automated solutions, such as guided vehicles, internal transport systems and intelligent loading platforms, allow sensitive goods to be moved quickly and safely .

Handling sensitive products that require sanitary requirements presents significant challenges in their transportation, distribution, and operation , such as maintaining a constant and controlled temperature at all times and managing logistics in variable weather conditions.

It’s also necessary to guarantee the integrity and health of the merchandise during its journey, reduce losses due to refrigeration system failures, and ensure adequate infrastructure and trained personnel to operate these systems efficiently, Mauricio Pascacio stated.

Given this, organizations must have a well-planned logistics design that considers optimized routes, strategic storage points, and automated systems. “The integration of technologies such as real-time sensors and tracking systems allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of processes, facilitating faster and more effective management,” he noted.

The specialist noted that infrastructure adjustments are needed at storage centers to avoid bottlenecks.

“The infrastructure would need to be modernized with automated systems, loading and unloading areas expanded, and connectivity between different points in the warehouse improved. Incorporating specific areas for temperature-sensitive goods, with refrigeration and automated control systems, would also help better distribute loads and prevent congestion,” he explained.

According to consulting firm Grand View Research , the logistics automation market in Mexico generated revenues of $1.058 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a rate of 13.9% through 2030, reflecting the rapid adoption of such solutions in the sector.

Space without limits: The vertical strategy

According to Mauricio Pascacio, companies are seeking to utilize every last corner of their warehouses through innovation.

In this regard, he explained that the implementation of vertical storage systems, automated stacker cranes, and mobile robots is enabling unprecedented utilization of space.

The use of inventory management software and optimized layout design are crucial for organizing spaces efficiently, eliminating wasted areas and ensuring a more streamlined flow of goods. “Industrial warehouses are now built with the long term in mind, with heights that allow for investments lasting 10 to 25 years.”

The market for automation in storage systems in Mexico has a promising outlook, as, according to the specialist, significant growth is anticipated , driven by the need to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, and meet the growing demand for temperature-sensitive products.

Investment in modern infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and real-time monitoring systems will open up a range of new opportunities for companies looking to stay ahead.

“The expansion of e-commerce and the internationalization of products offer a favorable environment for innovation in logistics and warehousing. Opportunities also include the creation of specialized cold chain distribution centers, the integration of sustainable solutions, and the adoption of technologies that allow for greater flexibility and adaptability to market needs. In short, Mexico is positioned as a market with great potential for the adoption of advanced solutions that will transform logistics and warehousing in the coming years,” he concluded.

The logistics market in Mexico reached a value of 1.27 billion dollars in 2024, and is estimated to grow annually by 10.2% between 2025 and 2034, reaching 3.044 billion dollars by the end of this period, according to the consulting firm Expert Market Research .

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