Ensenada has been known for decades as a tourist destination, but a cadre of about 50 maquilas has discovered that for the right company it can be home to industry, too.

      Located about 70 miles south of Tijuana and 90 miles south of San Diego, Calif., Ensenada has been known mainly for its tourism and seafood industry. However, there are maquilas here in the metal mechanical sector and various other sectors.

      Ensenada leaders want to exploit the proximity to San Diego by developing clusters that can support San Diego’s biotechnology and Information Technology industries. Ensenada is believed to have more scientists per capita than any other city  in Mexico and the private sector has created the Bio Business Council, dedicated to facilitating growth in this sector.

      What makes them think they have a chance? Consider: The cost of drug development has soared in the last 10 years. To lower costs, U.S. biotech and pharmaceutical companies are moving operations to countries such as Canada, India, China, Singapore and Russia.

      •Operating costs are lower.

                                                                                                           •Mexico enjoys NAFTA membership which provides significant advantages with respect to the import and export of products into and out of the United States...

...Continued in the pages of Twin Plant News, Subscribe Today!