Brazil
For more information, contact Achilles Arbex (aarbex@AMTonline.org).
The Evapco Group, a multinational manufacturer of ventilation systems for mining, tunnels, and cooling systems for industrial and commercial sectors, has opened its factory in Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, with an investment exceeding $60 million. The company acquired the former Wobben plant in the industrial zone, where it has established its new business and manufacturing unit, which is now operational.
Embraer has achieved a new backlog record of $22.7 billion. The global leader in the aerospace industry delivered a total of 57 jets in the third quarter of 2024, marking a 33% increase compared to the same period last year and a 24% increase compared to the previous quarter. In commercial aviation, 16 jets were delivered, while executive aviation saw another 41 jets delivered. Additionally, the Defense & Security division delivered two C-390 Millennium aircraft during the quarter – one to Hungary and the seventh to Brazil. Defense & Security experienced the largest increase in backlog, with $1.5 billion, followed by Services & Support, with $367 million. In contrast, Executive and Commercial Aviation saw minor decreases in backlog of $184 million and $168 million, respectively. Executive Jets’ deliveries rose to 41 units, reflecting an increase of over 45% year over year and over 50% quarter over quarter. The backlog for this business unit reached $4.4 billion during the quarter, which is 3% higher year on the year but 4% lower compared to the previous quarter.
Australian multinational Fortescue has made significant strides in Brazil's energy sector by launching the country's largest green hydrogen (H2V) project, with an estimated investment of $4 billion. Supported by both federal and state governments, this project aims to transform the Pecem Industrial and Port Complex, located in the metropolitan region of Fortaleza, into a leading hub for H2V production in Brazil and Latin America.
WEG has announced an investment plan of approximately $130 million over the next five years to expand capacity and vertically integrate its transformer and electric motor businesses in Mexico and Brazil. In Mexico, the investment will be used to construct a new facility for manufacturing wires in Atotonilco de Tula and to purchase and install new equipment, with an estimated cost of around $70 million. In Brazil, the investments will focus on the manufacturing plants in Itajai and Guaramirim, both located in Santa Catarina. In Itajai, WEG plans to expand its wire factory, which currently spans 8,500 square meters, by an additional 9,500 square meters to meet current and projected demand for transformers in Brazil. This is projected to cost approximately $34 million over five years.
Acotubo, one of Brazil's largest steel groups, is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The company closed 2023 with revenues approaching $500 million and expects to increase this figure by 10% by the end of 2024, backed by an investment of around $35 million. In recent years, Acotubo has invested $24 million in operations, processes, personnel, and systems.
Mexico
For more information, contact Carlos Mortera (cmortera@AMTonline.org).
The IMMSA Norte plant has been inaugurated in Monclova, Coahuila, with an investment of $25 million. This facility will manufacture steel structures for railroad cars, thereby strengthening the railroad industry in the region.
Iberdrola has announced plans to invest $1 billion in renewable energy projects in Mexico over the next two years. This initiative is part of a broader growth strategy, where Iberdrola aims to invest a total of $2.9 billion to construct 17 new renewable energy plants by 2030.
Mexstamp will invest $3 million in Aguascalientes to open a second auto parts plant in the Chichimeco Industrial Park. The new 4,000-square-meter facility is expected to increase production and sales by 40%.
LG Electronics has inaugurated its new plant in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila. With a total investment of $60 million, this facility is dedicated to producing components for audio, video, and navigation systems.
Kawasaki is investing $200 million in a new plant in Salinas Victoria, Nuevo Leon, to manufacture all-terrain vehicles and jet skis.
Bader will invest $16.2 million to expand its plant in Lagos de Moreno. The German company plans to enhance its facility with a new 14,000-square-meter automotive upholstery production center.
Grand Topsun is investing $55 million in Leon to establish its first plant in North America. The Chinese company has laid the first stone for its plant in the PILBA Industrial Park, which will provide decorative parts and speaker grilles for automakers like General Motors.
Safran is committing to Mexico with the construction of two new plants. By the end of this year, Safran Mexico will open facilities in Chihuahua and Queretaro. The Queretaro plant will expand maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities for single-aisle aircraft engines, while the Chihuahua plant will produce evacuation products, slides, and rescue equipment.
Bosch has launched new production lines following an investment of $221.2 million. This project represents a strategic move for Bosch in the production of brake systems, utilizing Industry 4.0 technology.
Vehicle production in Mexico increased by 6.13% year over year in the first three quarters of 2024, reaching 3.03 million units and solidifying its upward trend for the year.
Avery Dennison has officially begun operations at its new plant in Queretaro, marking the company's entry into the region with an investment of over $179 million.
