Why are so many private equity-backed firms turning to Mexico—and how do you launch without derailing your value creation window? In under 5 minutes, this executive-focused FAQ Edition breaks down the two main paths to launching in Mexico—standalone vs. shelter—and explains how Tetakawi helps PE firms de-risk execution, accelerate speed-to-value, and preserve enterprise value at exit. What you'll learn: Why PE firms are prioritizing Mexico as a strategic lever The risks of building standalone op...
Jun 24, 2025•4 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of Tetakawi’s Manufacturing in Mexico Podcast – FAQ Edition, we answer a fundamental question that comes up in nearly every strategy session with executives considering nearshoring: What exactly is the IMMEX Program—and why should it matter to your team? In under five minutes, this strategic episode demystifies the IMMEX framework—Mexico’s key legal mechanism for deferring import duties in export manufacturing—and unpacks how to access it effectively. Key Highlights: IMMEX Define...
Jun 19, 2025•5 min•Ep. 12
In this episode of Tetakawi’s Manufacturing in Mexico Podcast – FAQ Edition, we tackle one of the most essential yet commonly misunderstood questions about launching operations in Mexico: What exactly is a shelter service provider? In just five minutes, this short-format episode offers a strategic overview of the shelter model—how it works, why it matters, and what advantages it offers to manufacturers seeking a fast, compliant, and scalable entry into Mexico. Key Highlights: Shelter Defined: A ...
Jun 16, 2025•5 min•Ep. 11
In this episode of Tetakawi’s 'Manufacturing in Mexico' Podcast, host Ricardo Rascon is joined by industry expert David McQueen to delve into the dynamic growth of Mexico's manufacturing sector. With Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector reaching $19.1 billion in 2023, up significantly from previous years, the duo explores the burgeoning opportunities and emerging challenges in site selection for manufacturers looking to expand into Mexico. Key Highlights: Growth Drivers: David McQueen s...
Mar 18, 2024•29 min
In this episode, Ricardo Rascon welcomes back David McQueen to discuss how to choose the right shelter service provider in Mexico. Prior to joining Tetakawi, David was the president of two Canadian companies who expanded into Mexico using shelter service providers. To begin, David explains that Mexico’s shelter service program was set up over 30 years ago with the idea to provide foreign manufacturers with an easy way to operate in Mexico. It allows a foreign company to do most of the things the...
Jun 26, 2023•47 min
In this episode, David McQueen welcomes Leticia Rodriguez of The ILS Company to discuss the logistics and shipping considerations for manufacturing in Mexico. To begin, Leticia explains what IMMEX is and how it affects shipping in Mexico. The IMMEX certification allows companies to manufacture in Mexico, import raw materials duty free and export their finished product. Companies are left with a tax advantage and the opportunity to take advantage of all the benefits Mexico has to offer. Then, hea...
Mar 06, 2023•26 min
In this episode, Ricardo Rascon welcomes back David McQueen to build on their previous conversations about manufacturing in Mexico. Today, they discuss the one-time start-up costs manufacturers must take into account when expanding into Mexico. David explains that there are generally 5 types of non-recurring costs for new operations to consider. These are legal and incorporation costs, leasehold improvements and facility expenses, regulatory fees and expenses, physical assets and the internal st...
Jan 11, 2023•36 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, Ricardo Rascon and David McQueen build on their previous discussions about real estate and labor costs for manufacturers who expand to Mexico. In this conversation, Ricardo and David focus on other costs associated with manufacturing in Mexico: utilities, transportation, and more! Starting with utilities costs, David clarifies that, for most companies, the utilities costs to be considered are electrical power, water, and possibly natural gas. Companies also need to plan for the ...
Nov 11, 2022•24 min•Ep. 6
In this episode, host Ricardo Rascon and David McQueen build on their previous conversation. After focusing in the last episode on manpower costs in Mexico, Ricardo and David shift their attention today to discussing real estate and building costs in Mexico. To begin, David clarifies that foreign individuals and corporations can acquire and lease property or buildings just the same as Mexican nationals can. In some markets, however, commercial properties are closely held, and owners often favor ...
Sep 21, 2022•22 min
In this episode, Ricardo Rascon and David McQueen, discuss the costs of manufacturing in Mexico and what information companies need to know about labor costs before starting projects there. First, David discusses how the cost to manufacture in Mexico is closely tied to manpower. In Mexico, the labor law system is federal and you have to pay wages to employees in the form of pesos per day, not dollars per hour. The employer pays a rate per day that must equal or exceed the minimum wage, which cou...
Jul 14, 2022•20 min
After focusing in the last episode on the different modes of entry for expanding into Mexico, Ricardo and David shift their attention today to where to manufacture in Mexico and how companies can work through the initial site selection process. First, David identifies the most important criteria companies should take into account when choosing a manufacturing site in Mexico. These factors include accessibility, manpower services, customers, cost and security. Then, he divides the industrialized ...
May 23, 2022•22 min
In this episode, Ricardo Rascon welcomes back David McQueen to build on their previous conversation. After focusing in the last episode on why expanding into Mexico might make sense for your company, Ricardo and David shift their attention today to how a company can get started with this expansion process. They discuss modes of entry to consider, factors to weigh in choosing one, and David's own experience and advice to manufacturing leaders! There are several modes of entry for manufacturing co...
Apr 19, 2022•26 min
In Episode 1 of Tetakawi's Manufacturing in Mexico Podcast, David McQueen and Ricardo Rascon discuss five reasons companies should consider manufacturing in Mexico. They touch on workforce characteristics, logistics, trade barriers, market access, and operating cost. On top of everything else companies have to worry about in terms of tariffs and geopolitical risks, they now have to consider pandemics as a threat to supply chains. Based on the interactions had by the team at Tetakawi, many compan...
Apr 01, 2022•19 min
