Introduction: The state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, is witnessing significant growth in its electronics industry, with cities like Reynosa and Matamoros playing a crucial role in the expansion. The region’s booming maquiladora sector, which employs a record 234,244 workers, has attracted major international corporations and spurred economic development. This article will provide an overview of the thriving electronics industry in Tamaulipas, focusing on the cities of Reynosa and Matamoros.
Electronics Production in Tamaulipas: According to data from the State of Tamaulipas and INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Geografía), 31% of the production in the maquilas is dedicated to the electronics appliance sector. This includes the manufacturing of computers and communication devices, which make up 19% of production. The region’s skilled workforce, competitive wages, and strategic location have attracted multinational electronics manufacturers and suppliers, with over 93 companies operating in the area.
Reynosa – The Electronics Hub: Reynosa has emerged as a key player in the electronics industry, boasting 15 industrial parks and employing tens of thousands of skilled workers. The city has experienced steady population growth, reaching 837,251 inhabitants in 2020. In 2022, international sales from Reynosa totaled US$16.5B, with Monitors and Projectors, not Incorporating Television Reception Apparatus (US$2.92B) and Electrical Wires and Cables (US$1.27B) being the top products.
Some of the largest electronics manufacturers, such as Panasonic, Sony, and LG, have established a presence in Reynosa. These companies benefit from the city’s proximity to McAllen, Texas, and the Port of Brownsville, facilitating efficient transportation and logistics for their products.
Matamoros – A Thriving Manufacturing Center: Matamoros, situated just 15 minutes from the Port of Brownsville, Texas, is another important electronics manufacturing hub in the region. With nine industrial parks, the city has been a major maquiladora center for over 30 years, specializing in metalworking, automotive components, plastics, and electronics production.
Global companies like Delphi Automotive, Tyco Electronics, and Johnson Electric have chosen Matamoros as their base of operations. The city’s workforce has garnered international recognition for their quality manufactured products, with Delphi Rimir being selected as one of the top 25 manufacturing plants in North America by Industry Week Magazine.
Conclusion: The electronics industry in Tamaulipas, with Reynosa and Matamoros at its core, continues to thrive and drive economic growth in the region. The state’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust maquiladora sector have attracted multinational corporations and bolstered the local economy. As the industry expands, the cities of Reynosa and Matamoros are poised to become even more vital players in the global electronics market.