Introduction to the Plan México and Podebis Initiative
According to Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, during a morning conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum, the federal government’s industrial development strategy, Plan México, will kickstart construction on six Economic Development Poles for Well-being (Podebis) during the first quarter of 2026. These poles aim to strengthen investment, create jobs, and decrease reliance on imports.
State-by-State Breakdown of Podebis Projects
Durango: Automotive Manufacturing Project
In Durango, a $300 million automotive manufacturing project will commence in its first phase, with an additional $700 million planned for a second phase.
Hidalgo: Pharmaceutical Polo
In Hidalgo, a pharmaceutical polo will be established, featuring an API (active pharmaceutical ingredients) factory, generic medications, and a research center. The total investment is $2 billion.
Tlaxcala: Huamantla Industrial Development
In Tlaxcala, specifically in Huamantla, 100% of the land is already committed for industrial development. Companies like Gravity (food sector), El Charrito (metal mechanics), Sonavox (automotive), and Geometrikamil (cardboard) are in the process of installation, with a total investment of $540 million.
Guanajuato: Logistics Hub in Celaya
In Guanajuato, a logistics hub will be built in Celaya, with a $2,500 million peso investment through a partnership between the state government and Grupo Azvi-Cointer.
Michoacán: Morelia-Zinapécuaro Region Development
In Michoacán, the Morelia-Zinapécuaro region will see a $700 million investment, involving companies such as Artifibras, Monarca Truck, Harinera Monarca, Grupo SIMSA, and Truper.
Puebla: San José Chiapa-Nopalucan Projects
In Puebla, San José Chiapa-Nopalucan will host projects totaling $2,080 million pesos in the southern polygon. These include Motores Limpios (Zacua), Peisa Foods, metal structures, and Grupo Charrito.
Financing and Responsibilities
The financing for these 15 poles comes from a mix of federal resources, financial resources, state government contributions, and private investment. Nacional Financiera (Nafin) will focus on development and urbanization, while Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos (Banobras) will handle last-mile connectivity for services and complementary infrastructure.
State governments will be responsible for logistics and related services infrastructure, allowing private investment to concentrate on pole development and company installation.
Plan México Goals
President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized that Plan México aims to “not lose nor create more jobs through other instruments and the country’s own public and private investment.” The import substitution policy seeks to make Mexico “import less and export more.”
Ebrard clarified that protecting industries, like manufacturing and automotive, goes hand-in-hand with attracting investments to create new jobs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the Podebis? The Economic Development Poles for Well-being (Podebis) are part of Plan México, aiming to strengthen investment, create jobs, and reduce import dependency.
- Which states will see Podebis construction start in 2026? Construction will begin in Durango, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Puebla.
- Who is financing these projects? Financing comes from a combination of federal resources, financial resources, state government contributions, and private investment.
- What roles do state governments play in Podebis development? State governments are responsible for logistics and related services infrastructure, enabling private investment to focus on pole development and company installation.
- What are the goals of Plan México? Plan México aims to maintain existing jobs and create new ones through public and private investment, with an import substitution policy pushing Mexico to export more.
