With an investment of 10 million euros , Tetra Pak Mexico inaugurated its new Processing and Manufacturing Center in Cuautitlán Izcalli, State of Mexico, which is the first of its kind in Latin America and with which it will strengthen its supply chain and Mexican small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) .
Ramiro Ortiz , the company’s general manager in Mexico, said the company already has container production in Querétaro, caps in Mexicali, and parts distribution and technical service in the State of Mexico, but it needed to produce equipment in the country.
“This center will produce the most advanced technology equipment. The quality of the products we produce will enhance local industry and bring economic development to the municipality. This goes beyond technology; this center is a platform for Mexican talent, job creation, and the strengthening of small and medium-sized businesses,” he stated.
Andrés Echeverri, Tetra Pak’s Production Manager, stated that the company began evaluating the regionalization and optimization of its supply chain three years ago.
“If all the manufacturing of a piece of equipment is concentrated in Europe, you’re going to have a slow supply chain. So the key was to locate a country in Latin America that had the capacity and human talent necessary to produce close to our American market,” he explained.
The new Manufacturing Processing Center will manufacture food processing equipment , such as the milk pasteurizer, fat dosing equipment, and vitamin dosing equipment, among others, which were previously built in Sweden.
“We can produce up to 38,000 hours per year, involving approximately 87 medium-to-large-sized pieces of equipment, and we expect 50% of this to be exported. What we’re offering is equipment quality equal to European standards,” he said in an interview.
Echeverri explained that more than 50 specialized jobs in welding, manufacturing, and automation were created, and that SMEs will also be promoted.
He recalled that operations began more than 15 years ago in that municipality in the State of Mexico, and given the team’s preparation and potential, the decision was made to build the facility, “a firm commitment that reflects our conviction that what is made in Mexico is well done and with value.”
Laura González , Secretary of Economic Development for the State of Mexico , highlighted that the plant is a commitment to technological development, modernization and sustainability in the state .
“This center, the first of its kind in Latin America, positions the state, and the municipality of Cuautitlán Izcalli in particular, as a key hub for food manufacturing, generating new jobs and opportunities in sectors such as the automation of manufacturing equipment, specialized welding, and advanced machinery maintenance. In short, the project is a driving force for the region’s development and represents an opportunity for Mexican micro and small businesses that will benefit from this supply chain,” he stated.
Andrés Echeverri commented that depending on demand, there is the possibility of expanding these facilities, “of the seven different businesses we have in equipment capacities, because in addition to producing equipment for milk or juice processing, we also produce equipment for ice cream, powder handling, cookie creation, for different industries, and with this investment we are only taking over one of the businesses .”
Gunnar Aldén , Sweden’s ambassador to Mexico, highlighted the country’s presence in various Swedish companies in various sectors, including manufacturing, mining, and digitalization.
Comment and follow us on X: @evandeltoro / @GrupoT21
