Introduction to Mercado Libre and its New Logistics Center
Mercado Libre, the largest e-commerce platform in Latin America, has officially opened its new logistics center, XEM3, located in Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México. This cross-dock facility spans 80,000 square meters and represents a $140 million investment in collaboration with real estate developer Vesta.
Key Features and Capacity
- The center is designed to process up to 550,000 packages daily, with plans to expand its capacity to one million packages per day by the end of the year.
- Advanced automation systems will be implemented by 2026, further increasing processing capacity.
How XEM3 Benefits Mercado Libre and Its Users
José Ignacio Arias, Senior Director of Transportation at Mercado Libre México, explained that the XEM3 operation complements their storage centers by integrating products from sellers who opt not to participate in the full-management model.
Unlike traditional logistics models, cross-dock operations function as dynamic nodes, allowing packages to be quickly processed and dispatched without storage. This efficiency optimizes delivery times and reinforces Mercado Libre’s commitment to rapid, same-day deliveries in over 28 cities, directly benefiting more than 100,000 entrepreneurs and SMEs monthly, primarily in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Laura González, Secretary of Economic Development for the State of Mexico, highlighted the region’s strategic importance due to its proximity to major transportation routes such as the México-Laredo highway, the Toluca-Atlacomulco Industrial Corridor, a cargo railway connecting to key ports, and the nearby Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA).
The State of Mexico hosts 13% of the nation’s distribution centers, with 389 located in this strategic region.
Mercado Libre’s Investment Plan in Mexico
David Geisen, Senior Vice President of Commerce for Hispanics and Country Manager of Mercado Libre México, mentioned that the XEM3 project is part of a $3.4 billion investment plan announced by Mercado Libre for Mexico the previous year.
With over 15,000 direct employees and $650 million invested in the State of Mexico last year, Mercado Libre continues to evolve its logistics and capacity within the region.
The company’s logistics network in Mexico comprises more than 100 facilities, including 14 large-scale distribution centers, over 70 last-mile delivery centers, and now the XEM3 facility, which interconnects and directs volume to these last-mile stations.
Air Hub in Querétaro, operating four cargo planes daily, accelerates nationwide point-to-point shipments.
Impact on Mexican Economy
More than 450,000 Mexican families rely on income generated by activities within the Mercado Libre ecosystem. Additionally, over 1 million small and medium-sized businesses utilize the platform’s solutions.
