Governor Américo Villarreal Welcomes Cooperative Companies to Boost Quality Job Creation
December 16, 2025, Matamoros, Tamaulipas – Tamaulipas took a historic step towards industrial competitiveness with the launch of the Automotive Cluster in the state. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen productive integration, industrial relocation, increased national content, and the generation of quality jobs.
Event Details
The announcement was made during a lunchtime event on Monday, led by Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya. He emphasized that the formation of this cluster will be a development catalyst, participating not only in innovation projects but also in international supply chains, which are increasingly important and significant in our state.
Governor’s Vision
Accompanied by Matamoros Mayor Alberto Granados, Governor Villarreal welcomed cooperative companies that align with humanist and transformative governments, offering better working conditions for employees. This, in turn, ensures a peaceful and prosperous environment where everyone can thrive.
Economy Secretary’s Perspective
Economy Secretary Ninfa Cantú Deándar highlighted that the cluster’s formation strengthens Tamaulipas’ industrial vocation and takes a firm step towards the future. This comes at a particularly positive economic time, as the INEGI reported a 7.8% annual growth in Tamaulipas’ industrial activity in August 2025, placing it third nationally.
Cluster President’s Statement
Ángel Armando Botti Varela, president of the Automotive Cluster and Operations Director at Inteva México, acknowledged that this new body is an initiative supported by the State Government through the Economy Secretariat, involving educational institutions and private companies to foster industry growth in Matamoros. The cluster aims to attract new companies and support existing ones to secure contracts and expand.
Founding Members
During the ceremony, the following were formally registered as founding members of the Tamaulipas Automotive Cluster:
- Manuel García Garza, Bright Finishing’s General Director (Secretary)
- Israel Armendáriz Cadena, AFX Industries’ General Director (Treasurer)
- Dámaso Leonardo Anaya Alvarado, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas Rector (Advisor)
- Diana Rosa Masso Quintana, University of Technology of Matamoros Rector (Advisor)
- Santa Iliana Castillo García, Instituto Tecnológico de Matamoros Director (Advisor)
- Juan Zamora Ramírez, Suprajit México Plant Manager (Advisor)
- Víctor Alfonso Sánchez Garza, Inmobiliaria Vialsa Legal Representative (Advisor)
Cluster’s Objectives
The cluster formation will elevate Tamaulipas’ status as a national reference in automotive manufacturing, promote intelligent specialization and advanced technologies within the sector, strengthen links between businesses and academic institutions, and attract investments related to electromobility, automation, and Industry 4.0.
Guest Appearances
The event also featured the Tamaulipas Automotive Cluster President, Manuel Montoya Ortega, and Ana Cecilia Rodríguez González, Operations Institutional Director, representing the National Automotive Parts Industry’s CEO.
