Bühler breaks ground on a new manufacturing facility in Mexico

“This new facility will play a key role in our commitment to be even closer to our customers,” says Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains & Food segment. “By being present where our customers are, we are able to service them much more efficiently.” The planned factory embodies the company’s “in the region, for the region” philosophy, which Bühler employs globally to improve proximity to customers and support their business success.  It joins a global network of more than 30 Bühler manufacturing locations across all continents. The company further supports its customers in the region through 12 sales and service offices in the US and Mexico. 

“After nearly three years of planning, this new facility expands our manufacturing footprint while supporting our journey to reduce our company Scope 1 and 2 footprint when delivering our solutions,” says Holger Feldhege, Chief Operations Officer at Bühler. “It’s also part of our effort to build more robust supply chains, guarding against market changes.” The new factory is part of the pathway to meeting the company's sustainability commitments. 

In the first of three planned stages, the location’s capabilities will include sheet metal work, equipment assembly, and painting. 

Investing in Mexico 

The comprehensive search for a location involved nine cities assessed across seven criteria groups and over 50 qualitative and quantitative factors such as logistical connectivity, economic growth, and regional sustainability measures. This extensive effort resulted in the selection of Torreón, in the Mexican state of Coahuila. “Torreón is exceptionally well situated for our purposes,” says Regis Esteves, Head of Manufacturing, Americas, for Bühler. “It allows us to draw on a skilled and educated population, while providing excellent infrastructure and a welcoming and accommodating government.” 

“Torreón and Coahuila consolidated their position as one of the most dynamic manufacturing sites in the country," says Luis Eduardo Olivares, Coahuila Secretary of Economy. "Their strategic location, committed people and robust infrastructure have been key to attract high level investments like Bühler's. This new facility not only will generate qualified jobs but also reinforce the trust global companies put in the industry potential of our region."

“This investment is important for us. It will generate new and qualified jobs for our State and that translates to prosperity,” says Manolo Jiménez Salinas, Coahuila State Governor. “Coahuila is an extraordinary place to do business. We focus on key issues like security, infrastructure, and work stability. We look forward to offering our support from this groundbreaking right through production.” 

The first phase of the new factory represents an investment of $24million USD and will create roughly 200 jobs for the area. Subsequent phases are intended to enhance the company’s flexibility in manufacturing. 

“This new factory is an important addition to the region,” says Andy Sharpe, President & CEO of Bühler North America. “It represents our commitment to the Americas and our customers here. We’ll be better equipped to help them drive sustainable growth by saving time, being more agile in our manufacturing operations, and providing Bühler’s trademark Swiss quality much closer to their door.” 

The groundbreaking took place on the selected site in Parque Industrial Amistad Laguna, an industrial park situated between Torreón and Matamoros.