COSTEP, a key player in attracting binational investment: CAS Global and ERA Group alliance drives new manufacturing project in Matamoros and Brownsville

The new industrial project between CAS Global LLC and Canadian firm ERA Group represents not only an initial investment of US$3 million and the creation of jobs in Matamoros and Brownsville; it also confirms the strategic role of COSTEP, Consejo para el Progreso Económico del Sur de Texas, as one of the main drivers of investment attraction in the binational region.

During the event marking the first production shipment from Matamoros to Brownsville, Adam González, CEO of COSTEP, accompanied business leaders and authorities as part of a project that began to consolidate in 2025 through an economic promotion agenda focused on strengthening regional competitiveness.

COSTEP facilitated ERA Group’s arrival in Matamoros

According to Steven Leblond, President of ERA Group, a visit organized by COSTEP was decisive in finalizing the decision to invest in Matamoros.

“They invited us to Brownsville and organized everything. We met at Texas Southmost College, where Richard Mesquias Jr. showed us how they work in talent development. Then they took us to Matamoros, where we met with authorities and toured educational centers. What impressed us most was the human talent and the level of student training,” he explained.

Leblond highlighted that one of the decisive factors was discovering that the region has specialized human capital in industrial processes, including mold design and technical manufacturing, a competitive advantage that is difficult to find even in Canada.

“Seeing universities teaching these skills was very valuable for us. The workforce is here, the universities support that training, and that means the talent exists,” he said.

Strategic location and logistics strengthen binational investment

In addition to the available talent, the Canadian executive emphasized Matamoros’ strategic location, proximity to the United States and logistics efficiency as key factors in moving part of the company’s operation to the Mexican border.

“We distribute 95% of our products in the United States; being close to the border simply made sense,” he said.

CAS Global highlights support from COSTEP and economic development organizations

For his part, Magdaleno Flores, Director of CAS Global LLC, highlighted that support from organizations such as COSTEP gives confidence to companies seeking to establish operations in the region by offering a comprehensive view of the area’s industrial and economic capabilities.

“We had already been working with ERA Group and had previous conversations, but COSTEP’s participation helped us finalize the project. In a couple of meetings, they showed all the advantages and resources of the region; organizations such as the Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation (GBEDC) also participated. The investors saw that support, and that is why they chose us,” he explained.

A mega economic region between Mexico and the United States

For COSTEP, this type of project reflects a regional vision that goes beyond attracting companies to South Texas: it seeks to consolidate a mega economic region where both sides of the border work in a complementary way to compete globally.

In this case, the organization facilitated the connection between investors, companies, universities and local authorities, generating the confidence needed for ERA Group to transfer part of its operation to Mexico.

The result is already tangible: manufacturing in Matamoros, distribution from Brownsville and a new commercial alliance that strengthens economic integration between Mexico and the United States.

Through projects such as CAS Global and ERA Group, COSTEP confirms that modern economic promotion is not only about attracting investment, but about building bridges of trust that turn opportunities into real projects.