German automaker BMW opens $1 billion plant in Mexico
German automaker BMW AG on Thursday officially opened a $1 billion plant in the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. "The new plant in San Luis Potosi is an important pillar of the BMW Group`s global production strategy. We aim to achieve a balance in our production and sales in the different world regions. We want to strengthen our footprint in important and growing markets," Oliver Zipse, member of the board of management of BMW AG responsible for production, IANS report quoted his statement.
"Plant San Luis Potosi will significantly boost our regional production flexibility in the Americas. From here, we are delivering our locally produced BMW 3 Series Sedan to customers worldwide," said Zipse, who was joined at the plant opening ceremony by a number of Mexican dignitaries, including presidential chief of staff Alfonso Romo and San Luis Potosi Governor Juan Manuel Carreras. Image source: Reuters
The plant in San Luis Potosi, the capital of the like-named state, is the German automaker`s first in Mexico. Image source: Reuters
The plant has a vocational training centre in which new employees and trainees will be taught BMW`s latest production processes and introduced to the automaker`s technology. Image source: Reuters
Plant management is working with four technical institutes in the area and has already trained 250 people in technical specialties. BMW said its purchases in Mexico totalled $2.5 billion last year. Image source: Reuters
The plant is opening at a time when Washington is threatening to impose tariffs on Mexico unless President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador`s administration takes action to stem the flow of migrants into the United States. Image source: Reuters