Queretaro’s industry is varied. In the strategic evaluation of Mexico’s industrial landscape, the state of Querétaro has emerged as a leader in advanced manufacturing, technology, and logistical excellence. Located in the heart of the country’s booming Bajío region, Querétaro offers a unique and powerful combination of political stability, a pro-investment business environment, world-class infrastructure, and a highly skilled, educated workforce. It has meticulously cultivated a reputation not just as a location for manufacturing, but as a hub for high-value engineering, research and development, and sophisticated production processes.
For global corporations, particularly those in the aerospace, automotive, and data management sectors, understanding the operational ecosystem of Queretaro’s industry is fundamental to any North American strategy. The state is a proven and reliable partner for international business, characterized by its exceptional safety, high quality of life, and a deeply collaborative “triple helix” model where industry, government, and academia work in concert to drive innovation and economic growth. This is a region purpose-built for the demands of Industry 4.0.
This definitive guide provides a comprehensive, multi-layered analysis of the Queretaro industry advantage, designed for the rigorous scrutiny of senior executives responsible for strategic investment and operational excellence. Throughout this document, we will explore the state’s robust economic foundation, conduct extensive deep dives into its pillar industries, and examine the tangible assets of its advanced infrastructure, its specialized talent pipeline, and its exceptional business environment. Ultimately, this analysis will illustrate with clear, actionable data why Querétaro industry stands as a premier destination for companies seeking a secure, innovative, and highly competitive presence in Mexico.
State Of Queretaro
Free and Sovereign State of Queretaro
It’s commonly believed to be derived from the Purépecha word K’erhiretarhu, meaning “place of the great people”
Queretaro within Mexico
| Capital | Santiago de Queretaro |
|---|---|
|
Area |
11,699 km2 (4,517 sq mi) |
|
Population (2020) |
2,368,467 |
2,368,467
Population
1,220,360
Economically Active Population
2.39% Of
Unemployment Rate
Queretaro’s industry economic case is built on a foundation of remarkable and sustained growth, exceptional stability, and a proven ability to attract and retain high-value foreign investment. The state consistently outperforms the national average in economic expansion, making it one of the most dynamic economies in all of Latin America. For any company evaluating a new location, Querétaro’s economic data demonstrates a history of sound fiscal management, a pro-business orientation, and a clear capacity for supporting sophisticated industrial operations.
Queretaro industry is a consistent leader in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), a direct reflection of the confidence that global corporations have in its long-term prospects. In 2024, Querétaro attracted over USD 1.5 billion in new FDI, with a significant portion targeted at its core manufacturing sectors. This is part of a long-term trend that has seen companies from North America, Europe, and Asia invest billions to establish advanced manufacturing facilities. The state is particularly attractive for its political stability and its clear, consistent “rule of law,” which provides investors with the predictability needed for large, capital-intensive projects.
This investment is directly reflected in the state’s powerful export economy. Queretaro industry is a major exporter of high-value manufactured goods, including aircraft parts, automotive components, and electronics. The state’s advanced logistics infrastructure ensures that these goods can be transported efficiently to the U.S. border and to major ports for global distribution. This deep integration into the North American supply chain, combined with a strong and growing domestic market, provides a stable and predictable environment for manufacturers operating in the state.
USD 18.2 BnExports
44.2%
Labor Informality Rate
2,368,467 Inhabitants
Querétaro is, without question, the most important and sophisticated aerospace cluster in Mexico. The state has strategically positioned itself as a center of excellence for the entire aerospace value chain, from the manufacturing of complex components and sub-assemblies to high-value Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services and advanced research and development.
The Querétaro aerospace cluster is comprised of over 80 specialized firms, including some of the most recognizable names in the global aviation industry. This dense concentration of expertise creates powerful synergies and a resilient local supply chain.
OEMs and Tier 1 Leaders: The ecosystem is anchored by major global players. Safran, the French aerospace giant, has made Querétaro one of its most important global hubs, with multiple plants producing a wide range of critical components, including landing gear systems and parts for the LEAP engine. Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, assembles the aft fuselage for its Global 7500 business jets in the state. Other major players with significant operations include Airbus, GE Aviation, and Rolls-Royce.
A Deep Supplier Network: Supporting these giants is a deep network of specialized Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. This includes companies like ITP Aero, which manufactures turbine components, and Diehl Aviation, which produces extra-large overhead bins for the Airbus A220. A significant portion of an aircraft’s components can be sourced directly within the state. This creates immense logistical efficiencies. We have the rich ecosystem to thank for.
The cluster’s expertise is remarkably diverse, covering the full lifecycle of aerospace components.
Advanced Manufacturing: Querétaro’s facilities excel in the high-precision manufacturing of complex parts. This includes the production of turbine blades, landing gear systems, flight control surfaces, and complex electronic assemblies for avionics systems.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO): The state is a major center for MRO services. Delta TechOps and Safran operate large MRO facilities at the Querétaro Intercontinental Airport, servicing engines for a wide range of airlines. This provides a stable, recurring revenue stream for the cluster.
Research and Development: Querétaro is not just a production center; it is a hub for innovation. The presence of engineering and design centers for companies like Safran and GE, along with dedicated research institutions, drives the development of next-generation aerospace technologies.
A key pillar of Querétaro’s aerospace success is the Universidad Aeronáutica en Querétaro (UNAQ). It is the only university in Mexico dedicated entirely to the aerospace sector. UNAQ works in direct partnership with companies like Safran and Airbus to develop its curriculum. This ensures its graduates—from skilled technicians to master-level engineers—have the precise skills the industry needs. This creates a sustainable and highly specialized talent pipeline that is unique in Latin America.
[For a broader overview, please see our full report: An Analysis of the Aerospace Industry in Mexico]
Querétaro is a vital and rapidly growing player within the broader Bajío automotive “diamond.” While it may not have the same volume of final vehicle assembly plants as neighboring Guanajuato, the state has strategically focused on a higher-value segment of the supply chain: the production of complex, technologically advanced automotive components.
The automotive cluster in Querétaro is characterized by a high concentration of world-class Tier 1 suppliers who produce critical systems for assembly plants throughout North America. There are over 300 automotive companies in the state, making it a powerhouse of component manufacturing.
Key Players: The state is home to major facilities for global leaders like Continental, which produces electronic control units, sensors, and brake systems. Michelin manufactures high-performance tires in the state. ZF Group has invested significantly to produce transmissions and other chassis technology. Other major suppliers with a strong presence include Valeo, Brose, and Bosch.
The Querétaro automotive cluster excels in producing high-value systems that are critical to modern vehicles.
Automotive Electronics: Leveraging its high-tech workforce, the state is a leader in producing electronic components, from infotainment systems to the complex controllers that manage engine and safety functions.
Powertrain and Drivetrain Components: Companies in Querétaro manufacture a wide range of parts for transmissions, engines, and steering systems.
Plastic Injection and Interiors: The state has a strong capability in high-precision plastic injection molding for both interior and exterior components.
Integration with Electromobility: As the automotive industry shifts to electric vehicles, Querétaro is perfectly positioned to supply the essential electronic components, battery management systems, and lightweight structural parts required for EVs.
For an automotive supplier, Querétaro offers a strategic location with excellent logistics, a highly skilled workforce capable of handling complex production, and a stable, pro-business environment. Its focus on high-value components makes it a resilient and future-proof location for investment.
[Discover more in our complete analysis: An Analysis of the Automotive Industry in Mexico]
Leveraging its stable power grid, strategic location, and secure environment, Queretaro’s industry has rapidly become one of the most important data center hubs in all of Latin America. This new pillar of its economy is attracting massive investment from the world’s leading technology companies.
A Hub for Global Cloud Providers: Major global cloud providers have chosen Querétaro for their primary Mexican data center regions. Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Oracle Cloud have all invested billions of dollars to build massive, hyperscale data centers in the state. This concentration of cloud infrastructure is unprecedented in the region.
The Data Center Ecosystem: Supporting these cloud giants is a growing ecosystem of co-location data center providers like KIO Networks, Odata, and Equinix. This provides a wide range of options for companies needing secure data storage and management.
Strategic Advantage: The development of this data center hub provides two key advantages. First, it offers companies operating in Mexico access to low-latency cloud services, which is critical for modern manufacturing and logistics (Industry 4.0). Second, it creates a new source of demand for high-skilled IT professionals, further strengthening the state’s talent pool.
The success of Queretaro’s industry is built upon a foundation of exceptional human capital. The state has one of the most educated and technically proficient workforces in Mexico.
A Strong University System: In addition to the specialized UNAQ, Querétaro is home to excellent universities like the Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM) Querétaro Campus, the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro (UAQ), and the Universidad Politécnica de Querétaro (UPQ). These institutions produce thousands of engineers and technicians annually.
A Focus on “Dual” Education: Querétaro’s industry has been a leader in implementing the German “dual education” model, where students combine classroom learning with practical, on-the-job training inside manufacturing facilities. This creates graduates who are not just academically prepared but are also ready to contribute from day one.
Talent Attraction: The state’s high quality of life and safety make it a magnet for talent from across Mexico and around the world, allowing companies to attract and retain the best and brightest professionals.
Queretaro’s industry logistical infrastructure is arguably one of the best in the country. It sits at the heart of what is often called “Mexico’s Golden Corridor.”
Ground Transportation: The state is located directly on Mexico Federal Highway 57D, the country’s most important and modern trade artery. This highway provides a direct, non-stop connection from Mexico City, through the industrial heartland of the Bajío, and all the way to the U.S. border at Laredo, Texas. This prime location allows goods to be transported to the U.S. border in approximately 10-12 hours.
Air Connectivity: The Querétaro Intercontinental Airport (AIQ) is a major cargo hub. It is one of the fastest-growing airports in Mexico for air freight, with major operations from leading global logistics companies like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. It also offers direct passenger flights to key U.S. business hubs like Dallas and Houston.
Rail Connectivity: The state is serviced by two major rail lines (Ferromex and Kansas City Southern de México), providing efficient and cost-effective transportation for heavy materials and intermodal containers.
Infrastructure & Logistics: The "Golden Corridor"
In today’s global economy, a high quality of life is a significant economic advantage. Querétaro consistently ranks as one of the safest states in Mexico, with one of the highest qualities of life. Its capital city, Santiago de Querétaro, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a beautiful historic center, a vibrant culinary scene, and excellent amenities. This safe and pleasant environment is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining senior-level and expatriate talent, a critical factor for any major international operation.
The state of Querétaro offers a powerful, distinct, and compelling value proposition. Its unique combination of a world-class aerospace cluster, a sophisticated automotive supply chain, a booming data center industry, a highly skilled and educated workforce, and a secure, high-quality living environment makes it a premier destination for advanced manufacturing and technology investment in North America.
However, capitalizing on this opportunity requires a partner with deep, on-the-ground expertise. Navigating the process of site selection, legal incorporation, regulatory compliance, and administrative setup in any new region can be complex.
At Start-Ops, we specialize in providing end-to-end solutions for companies establishing manufacturing operations across Mexico. We manage the entire administrative and regulatory burden, from initial strategy to ongoing operations, allowing you to focus on your core business. Whether you are exploring a project in Querétaro or any of Mexico’s other industrial hubs, our team has the local knowledge and expertise to ensure your project is a resounding success.
Contact us for a strategic consultation to explore how establishing an operation in Querétaro can become a cornerstone of your company’s North American strategy.
