International economic relationships are built on trust, continuity and projects that create value on the ground. This week, four European countries (Germany, the Netherlands, France and Portugal) were present in Nuevo León through the opening of a new industrial plant, the announcement of an investment to modernize operations, a high-level business forum and a diplomatic visit. Four different agendas with one shared goal: to widen the opportunities for investment, innovation and development in our state.
Germany: filtration technology arrives in Salinas Victoria
The first event was the opening of Hengst Filtration México, a family-owned German company founded in 1958 that specializes in filtration and fluid management solutions for industries as varied as automotive, industrial machinery, health, food, energy and electronics. Its technology contributes to more efficient processes and to applications related to the quality of air, liquids and industrial systems.
Its arrival in Salinas Victoria, inside the Interpuerto Monterrey Industrial Park, represents an investment of US$20 million and the creation of 220 jobs, according to the project file. The facility strengthens Hengst's presence in North America and brings its manufacturing capabilities closer to one of the most dynamic industrial regions in the country. The commitment links competitiveness with an environmental mission: developing solutions that help filter and protect the resources that make productive activity possible.
The Netherlands: Signify plans a new stage for Apodaca
The second chapter took place at Signify's plant in Apodaca. The Dutch company, formerly known as Philips Lighting, has more than 130 years of history, a presence in more than 70 countries and around 27,000 employees worldwide. In Nuevo León it operates two plants and generates more than 2,000 jobs, with operations dedicated to manufacturing luminaires and lighting solutions for the domestic and international markets.
During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to promote efficient, connected and circular lighting in areas such as infrastructure, innovation, value chains and rural development. In addition, Signify plans an investment of approximately 2.7 million euros in 2027 to modernize its Apodaca plant, strengthen a safe and inclusive workplace, and advance digitalization and the development of new products. It is a sign of confidence that bets on raising capabilities, adopting technology and moving toward an industry that uses energy more efficiently.
France: 200 years of relations and a shared industrial agenda
The European agenda continued with the Industrial Summit of the Semana de Francia in Monterrey, organized by the Franco-Mexican Chamber of Commerce and Industry as part of the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and France. The meeting, attended by the Ambassador of France to Mexico, Delphine Borione, brought together authorities, diplomatic representatives, business organizations and investors, along with more than 109 French companies with an interest in the state, to strengthen commercial and industrial ties, promote innovation and open spaces for collaboration in supply chains.
The results of this relationship are clear: more than 50 companies of French origin operate in Nuevo León and generate 25,000 jobs; since 2021 more than US$3.1 billion in French foreign direct investment has arrived, and in 2024 exports from Nuevo León to France totaled US$126 million. That presence has deep roots in strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing, automotive, energy, infrastructure and industrial services. Schneider Electric has its most innovative plant in the state, Monterrey 1, recognized by the World Economic Forum as an Advanced Lighthouse: a distinction that highlights the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technology in manufacturing. VINCI Airports, the main shareholder of OMA, keeps expanding its commitment to Monterrey International Airport, with an investment of US$450 million to unify and modernize its terminals. Saint-Gobain, for its part, completed the acquisition of Cemix for close to US$800 million.
Added to this are FORVIA, which continues to grow in the state from its seating and interiors complex in Apodaca, and OPmobility, which will make an acquisition in Nuevo León. Saint-Gobain and Air Liquide complete an ecosystem that the agenda with the French delegation makes it possible to deepen, connecting companies with local opportunities and opening space for supplier development and the integration of value chains. More than a ceremonial meeting, the bicentennial offers a platform to project economic cooperation into the coming years.
Portugal: a relationship opening up to new investment
And finally, with Portugal, we received the visit of the Ambassador to Mexico, Pedro Abecasis Costa Pereira, who met with Governor Samuel García Sepúlveda to explore strengthening trade and the arrival of Portuguese investment in Nuevo León. The dialogue took as its starting point the opportunities opened by the Modernized Global Agreement between Mexico and the European Union, signed in May 2026, and lays the groundwork for an upcoming agenda to promote the state in Lisbon.
One shared vision: growing with innovation and responsibility
The activities with Germany, the Netherlands, France and Portugal show that Europe is looking toward Nuevo León and that international confidence turns into concrete opportunities: two investments in a single week, new productive capacity, jobs, technological modernization and business cooperation. They also reflect the importance of staying close to the companies that have already chosen Nuevo León and to the delegations that want to learn about the potential of our state.
In Nuevo León we work so that investment finds the conditions to settle, grow and generate long-term benefits. Industrial competitiveness must advance hand in hand with innovation, talent and environmental responsibility. That is the path to consolidating a state connected to the world, with stronger value chains and better opportunities for its people.
Emmanuel Loo
Undersecretary of Investment, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
