Grupo Acerero Invests $650 Million in New Slab Steel Plant in San Luis Potosí

Web Editor

May 8, 2025

a man in a suit and tie standing in front of a painting and a fireplace with a lit candle, Boris Vla

Overview and Background of Grupo Acerero

Grupo Acerero, a prominent Mexican company specializing in long steel products, has announced an investment of $650 million in a new slab steel plant in San Luis Potosí (SLP). The company aims to produce approximately 1.25 million tons of slab steel annually, targeting the substitution of imported materials and eventually exporting to the United States.

The CEO’s Vision

Humberto Abaroa López, CEO of Grupo Acerero, highlighted that this expansion is part of their strategy to integrate the entire supply chain, from scrap metal to finished products. The initial focus is on replacing imported materials, followed by exporting their products to the U.S.

Investment Details and Job Creation

The new plant, set to commence operations in September 2025, will have a production capacity of 1.25 million tons of slab steel per year. This investment will also generate 1,200 jobs in the region, as stated by Abaroa López.

Currently, Grupo Acerero has an installed capacity of 1 million tons of long steel products, including varillas corrugadas, alambrón, and its derivatives. With this expansion, they aim to complete the production cycle for slab steel fabrication.

From Import Substitution to Export Opportunities

Grupo Acerero currently produces 350,000 tons of slab steel and plans to increase this to 600,000 tons for import substitution. The company also intends to strengthen its production and consumption capabilities to reach 1.25 million tons of slab steel.

Abaroa López emphasized, “Our initial vision for the new slab steel plant was to replace imported steel. Now, we aim to fully utilize the new production capacity.”

He further explained, “This product was previously manufactured by Altos Hornos de México (AHMSA). Now, we are the leading steel producer in Mexico, directly competing with imported materials.”

Grupo Acerero is also exploring export opportunities to the United States, leveraging its strategic location in San Luis Potosí. Abaroa López mentioned, “We have potential clients in the U.S., and producing in Mexico gives us a competitive edge in accessing this market.”

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is Grupo Acerero’s investment plan? Grupo Acerero plans to invest $650 million in a new slab steel plant in San Luis Potosí, with the aim of producing 1.25 million tons of slab steel annually.
  • What is the primary objective of this investment? The main goal is to integrate the entire supply chain, from scrap metal to finished products, with a focus on replacing imported materials initially and eventually exporting to the U.S.
  • How many jobs will this investment create? This investment is expected to generate 1,200 jobs in the San Luis Potosí region.
  • What is Grupo Acerero’s current production capacity? Currently, Grupo Acerero has an installed capacity of 1 million tons of long steel products.
  • What are Grupo Acerero’s export plans? Grupo Acerero aims to leverage its strategic location in San Luis Potosí to export slab steel products to the U.S., targeting potential clients in that market.