Brazil's Embraer Opens First Mexico Plant in Chihuahua

A Brazilian aviation giant just planted roots in northern Mexico, and it's creating opportunities for over a thousand workers while strengthening North America's aerospace industry.

Embraer officially opened its first manufacturing plant in Mexico this week in Chihuahua City, taking full control of a facility that will produce aircraft cabin interiors for global markets. Governor Maru Campos joined Embraer CEO Anderson Nascimento at Monday's inauguration ceremony, marking a major milestone for the region's growing aerospace sector.

The factory will manufacture overhead luggage compartments, galleys, lavatories, and floor panels for aircraft flying to Brazil, the United States, France, and Singapore. It's the only facility in Mexico that produces the complete suite of civil aircraft cabin components under one roof.

Embraer acquired full ownership by purchasing the remaining 50% stake from French aerospace company Safran on July 1. The plant had been operating as a joint venture since 2012, but now the Brazilian company controls 100% of operations and employs 1,100 people directly.

"Each of these components carries a little piece of our city, the technical capacity of our people, their discipline, and that commitment to quality that distinguishes Chihuahua," said Mayor Marco Bonilla. That workforce is expected to grow as Embraer expands its investment and development plans in the state.

The Ripple Effect

Chihuahua has become Mexico's aerospace leader, and this investment proves why. The state produces nearly $984 million in aerospace goods annually, accounting for 36% of Mexico's total aerospace production. Last year alone, Chihuahua exported more than $2 billion worth of aerospace products.

Governor Campos emphasized that creating favorable conditions for investment translates directly into better quality of life for residents. The aerospace cluster has transformed Chihuahua into a hub of high-skilled manufacturing jobs, attracting global companies and training a new generation of technical workers.

The plant represents more than manufacturing capacity—it's a vote of confidence in Mexico's skilled workforce and strategic position in global supply chains.