SAMA and INDEX Nuevo Laredo Unite to Grow Texas–Mexico Manufacturing

Manufacturing leaders from San Antonio and Nuevo Laredo took a step toward stronger Texas–Mexico business relations on October 14, signing a memorandum of understanding designed to connect companies with suppliers, customers, and production capabilities on both sides of the border.

The agreement brings together the San Antonio Manufacturers Association (SAMA), represented by President and CEO Dan Yoxall, and INDEX Nuevo Laredo, led by President Enrique Morán. Manufacturers and economic development representatives joined the meeting to discuss how closer coordination can support existing businesses and attract additional industrial investment.

Business and Economic Development Leaders at theTable:

·      Dan Yoxall, President and CEO, San Antonio Manufacturers Association;

·      Enrique Morán, President, INDEX Nuevo Laredo;

·      Javier Herrera, General Director, INDEX Nuevo Laredo;

·      Eduardo Quintanilla, Vice President, INDEX Nuevo Laredo;

·      Octavio Almanza, Public Relations Director, Chromalox.

·       Iain Johnstone, Chief of Staff, Knight Aerospace;

·      Alfred Breuer, Assistant Director, City of San Antonio Economic Development Department;

·       Marshal Hoak, Economic Development Coordinator, Bexar County;

·       Richard Fetchick, Director of Industry Development, Greater SATX;

·      Michael Duderstadt, Duderstadt Stake Company;

·      Sergio Gracia, President, Mexico Industry Media Group;

·      Rodrigo Chapa, representing Mexico Industry and ProTexas Industry.

The message throughout the discussion was practical: companies in Texas and Mexico often have complementary capabilities, but they need stronger communication to discover those opportunities and turn them into business.

Yoxall explained that the partnership is intended to connect manufacturers in San Antonio and South Central Texas with Mexican companies that can become suppliers and customers. Morán said the next step is developing a joint work plan with Yoxall, beginning with a better understanding of what manufacturers in each region can offer.

What the Partnership Aims to Accomplish

Participants identified several opportunities for cooperation:

·      Connect manufacturers with nearby suppliers. Help companies identify materials, components, and production services available in Texas and Mexico, including capabilities they may currently seek farther away.

·      Support companies already operating in the region. Give established manufacturers access to relationships that can help them expand production, reach customers, and compete for additional business.

·      Link complementary industries. Explore opportunities across aerospace, automotive, metalworking, industrial equipment, medical manufacturing, and other sectors represented in the two regions.

·      Strengthen workforce capabilities. Share knowledge and training resources that help companies develop technical skills and understand their business partners’ operating requirements.

·      Make connections accessible to smaller manufacturers. Help businesses with limited staff and time find potential suppliers without having to build an international network on their own.

·      Maintain follow-through after the signing. Develop ongoing communication and a coordinated work plan so introductions can become productive business relationships.

Sergio Gracia, president of Pro Texas Industry & MexicoIndustry, emphasized that the value of the initiative would come from the business it generates. He encouraged participants to identify specific manufacturing needs and match them with capabilities across the region.

A Manufacturing Network with Significant Reach

The presentations demonstrated the industrial base behind the partnership.

Yoxall described the San Antonio region as home to approximately 1,500 manufacturers and 70,000 direct manufacturing employees, with companies operating across transportation equipment, aerospace, metals, food and beverage, and other industries.

INDEX Nuevo Laredo’s presentation outlined its role in representing export manufacturers and supporting their operations:

·      Founded in 2005, the association is affiliated with INDEX Nacional.

·      Its presentation listed more than 32affiliated manufacturing companies.

·      The association reported representing 90% of Nuevo Laredo’s IMMEX companies and approximately 85% of employment in the local sector.

·      Five working committees address finance and tax, safety and environmental matters, human resources, foreign trade, and information technology.

·      Its training services include courses, practical workshops, and specialized webinars for member companies.

These resources give the partnership a foundation for cooperation that extends beyond introductions, including technical development and access to industry expertise.

From Aerospace to Small Business

Iain Johnstone, chief of staff at Knight Aerospace, described how the San Antonio manufacturer produces equipment that changes the capabilities of military cargo aircraft, including medical modules, seating systems, and specialized interiors. He said the company already uses engineering resources in Mexico and sees opportunities to develop additional partnerships as its products become more standardized.

Michael Duderstadt, representing Duderstadt Stake Company, brought the perspective of a smaller manufacturer. He explained that businesses often lack the time to investigate suppliers across the border, even when suitable partners may be available nearby. A stronger association-to-association connection could make those opportunities easier to find.

Economic development representatives reinforced that regional growth can benefit both countries. Bexar County’s discussion referenced the Texas–Mexico Automotive Supercluster, an initiative examining the interconnected manufacturing corridor between Texas and northern Mexico. The county formally identifies the supercluster among its economic development initiatives.

For Texas manufacturers, the agreement creates another channel to reach industrial partners in Mexico while helping Mexican companies connect with opportunities in Texas. Its next stage will depend on consistent follow-up: identifying production needs, introducing qualified suppliers, and building relationships that help manufacturers on both sides grow.