Dollar magnet: New Zealand attracts over $2 billion from European giants

Volvo, LEGO, Unilever, and KUKA are leading a wave of foreign investment in Nuevo León, promising more than 11,300 jobs. Learn about the companies and investment amounts.

Nuevo León has consolidated its position as the epicenter of nearshoring in Mexico, securing more than $2 billion in new investments and promising to create more than 11,300 direct jobs as a result of a recent economic promotion tour of Europe led by the state government.

Corporate giants from sectors as diverse as automotive, logistics, robotics, and consumer goods have chosen Nuevo León to expand their operations, attracted by its strategic location, human capital, and robust industrial ecosystem. This wave of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) confirms the trend that has positioned the state as a magnet for global capital.

The European tour yielded historic results, with concrete investment announcements from some of the world's most recognized companies. The following projects stand out:

• Volvo: The Swedish heavy-duty vehicle giant confirmed an investment of up to $1 billion for its Ciénega de Flores plant, which will become the group's largest and generate 3,000 jobs by 2026.
• LEGO: The iconic Danish toy company announced a massive expansion of its flagship factory in the state, with a $508 million investment that will create 6,300 new jobs.
• Unilever: The British-Dutch consumer goods conglomerate confirmed an $800 million investment in its first phase, which will result in 1,500 jobs.
• KUKA: The German company, a world leader in robotics and automation, announced the opening of its first Robotics Research and Development Center in Mexico. The center will be located in the Technological Research and Innovation Park (PIIT) and will generate 500 highly specialized jobs.
• Daye: This automotive company will invest $260 million and create 1,000 jobs at its new plant.
• Zinkteknik: European precision casting specialist, will invest $60 million and create 500 jobs.
• Rhenus Automotive: The logistics firm confirmed a $50 million plant with 300 jobs.
• FlixBus: The mobility company will build a hub with an investment of $162 million and the creation of 200 jobs.

These figures add to official data that already showed exceptional dynamism. During the first quarter of 2025, Nuevo León captured $2.7 billion in FDI, representing a 65.5% increase compared to the same period last year and 13% of the national total.

"So far this year, investment announcements in the state have already exceeded $9 billion," reported Emmanuel Loo, head of the state Ministry of Economy, who emphasized that the state is consolidating in strategic sectors such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and household appliances.

Nuevo León's success in attracting these investments is attributed to a combination of factors, including its proximity to the United States, a solid infrastructure of industrial parks, highways, and airports, and a skilled workforce.

This flood of capital not only promises to transform Nuevo León's economic and employment landscape, but also poses significant challenges in terms of urban infrastructure, public services, and environmental sustainability—challenges the state must address to fully capitalize on this historic opportunity.