Monterrey Metropolitan Area Continues to Attract Foreign Investment Across Industries
Monterrey’s metropolitan area, which encompasses 13 municipalities, continues to distinguish itself as one of Mexico’s most dynamic regions for foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2024, Nuevo León attracted US$2.1 billion in FDI, with Monterrey leading the state’s efforts to bring new international operations to the region.
In the past year, Monterrey has seen a series of high-profile announcements from global companies that have chosen to establish new operations or expand existing ones in the metropolitan area. Among the latest companies investing in Monterrey are global names such as Lego, Volvo Trucks, Ternium, Panduit Corp., and Bosch BSH.
The Monterrey MSA’s economic strength is rooted in key sectors that continue to show consistent growth and competitiveness on a global scale: automotive, aerospace, and home appliances. The automotive sector, in particular, has developed into one of the region’s strongest pillars. Today, the Monterrey metropolitan area is home to more than 120 automotive-related companies, many of them world-class OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers that have created a sophisticated local supply chain.
The aerospace industry, while smaller, is also making significant strides. The region hosts around 20 Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace suppliers, positioning Monterrey as a rising player in Mexico’s growing aerospace sector. Meanwhile, the home appliance sector is another major source of industrial strength for Monterrey, accounting for approximately 41 percent of the entire national production of home appliances. Companies operating in this sector benefit from an established network of specialized suppliers, engineering talent, and export-oriented infrastructure.
Manufacturing remains the backbone of Monterrey’s economy. According to the latest figures, more than 120,000 people are employed across 300 IMMEX-certified manufacturing sites within the metropolitan area. Within the city of Monterrey itself, approximately 15,000 workers are employed across 47 manufacturing facilities, highlighting the city’s central role in sustaining and expanding industrial activity in the region.
However, Monterrey’s appeal to investors is not limited to manufacturing. Other sectors are also experiencing significant growth. The hospitality industry, for instance, is expanding to meet the rising demand fueled by business travel, industrial tourism, and events. By 2025, around 13 new hotels are expected to be built in Monterrey and surrounding municipalities. This expansion of hotel infrastructure reflects the broader economic optimism in the region and supports Monterrey’s goal of becoming a more complete destination for both business and leisure.
Several factors explain Monterrey’s ongoing success in attracting foreign investment. Its strategic location near the U.S. border facilitates efficient logistics and trade, while its well-developed infrastructure, including highways, airports, and rail connections, supports a wide range of industries. Monterrey also benefits from a deep pool of skilled labor, with universities and technical institutes supplying talent across engineering, manufacturing, and business disciplines. Moreover, government and private sector collaboration continues to foster an investment-friendly environment, with efforts focused on streamlining permitting processes and offering incentives to new investors.
As Monterrey’s metropolitan area diversifies its economy and attracts major international players, it cements its role as one of Mexico’s premier industrial hubs and a critical link in North America’s manufacturing and supply chain network. With a strong foundation in traditional industries and expanding opportunities in services and hospitality, Monterrey appears well-positioned for sustained growth in the years ahead.
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