Industrial parks are a fundamental piece for global economic development. Find out how they were founded, their characteristics and how they work. As well as the challenges and opportunities of these real estate constructions for the future.
History of industrial parks
Industrial parks are an urban phenomenon that originated in England. They emerged with the aim of solving the decentralization of industrial activities in London. In 1896, the city of Trafford, in Manchester, became a space entirely focused on industry. Trafford Park was inaugurated on June 24, 1894, and is the world’s first industrial park.
Unlike all the English companies dedicated to the textile industry, this park paved the way for the metallurgical industry. With over 485 hectares, this industrial park was located near the Manchester Canal and the Port of Liverpool. Industrial activities were thus centralized in Manchester and this park model spread to all nearby cities. The common denominator of these locations was their proximity to ports and railway lines.
The first European park outside of England was located in Naples, and then spread to other locations such as Germany, France, and countries belonging to the USSR. At the beginning of the 20th century, the idea of industrial parks arrived in the United States. In 1907, the Clearing Industrial District was created in Chicago, where mostly automotive companies arrived.
In Mexico, industrial parks date back to the 1940s, with the emergence of the Vallejo industrial zone in Mexico City and Ciudad Sahagún in Hidalgo. In the 1960s, the maquiladora industry boomed in our country as a response to the rise in labor costs in countries such as Japan and the United States. In 1966, the industrial park industry was formalized and an industrial park for television manufacturing was inaugurated in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. These spaces were born around the world with the aim of promoting the economic development of each country.
Industrial Parks: An Overview
Industrial parks are known as delimited, urbanized, and specially designed areas for the settlement of industrial plants. These must have the appropriate services, permits, and infrastructure for the optimal operation of companies. Their objective is to attract investments and promote the development of industries and, therefore, regional economic growth.
Industrial parks are characterized by certain fundamental aspects such as:
- Location near an important communication route such as airports, seaports, highways, or railways.
- Offering the necessary infrastructure for the installation of industrial plants, such as basic urbanization services, water, electricity, voice, and data. In addition, they must have all the necessary permits for the operation of industrial plants.
- Having a central administration that coordinates internal security, the proper functioning of the infrastructure, and general management before the authorities.
With industrial parks, companies enhance their productivity and obtain economic benefits by sharing certain services and common areas, which generates a reduction in costs and optimization of resources for investors. According to AMPIP data, in 2022 industrial parks had a net absorption of 4.3 million square meters in Mexico, and the inventory grew by 30% compared to 2021. The northern region of the country is the market with the most industrial parks, located in Monterrey, Juarez, Saltillo, and Tijuana, accounting for over 41% of them. The Bajio region follows with 30% in the states of Guanajuato, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, and Jalisco.
Industrial parks are part of the strategic infrastructure of the country, the national logistics system, and a fundamental part of attracting foreign investment.
Challenges for industrial parks
Industrial parks, like many sectors of the country and the world, are facing some changes. Technological advances, the global economy and the sociopolitical environment require renovations for a better adaptation to the present and future.
A sustainable approach
More and more companies are asking for initiatives focused on sustainability in the parks. Like the introduction of green energies and the reduction of emissions. Like saving energy, recycling, promoting the circular economy, reusing water and responsible waste management. Companies share that responsibility, so industrial parks should help facilitate these practices.
Encourage safety
In Mexico, industrial parks must remain at the forefront of initiatives that promote the security of their tenants, safeguarding supply chains, risk management, providing information security, and effective management systems. Therefore, it is important to stay up-to-date with innovative technological solutions that enhance security in fire prevention systems, building designs, and temperature control.
Modernization
Modernization is not only about construction materials or the use of new technologies and connectivity. It also involves creating a better quality of life for industrial park tenants by generating a comfortable and conducive environment. Industrial parks must become more efficient, connected, and implement technological advancements focused on productivity. Additionally, they should offer green and recreational areas, improve urbanization, and facilitate easy access to public transportation. This will ensure workers’ appropriate stay in Mexican industrial parks, ultimately leading to less employee turnover and increased productivity. Such conditions allow for the creation of new, intelligent, ecological, and environment-friendly industrial spaces.
In 2023, the demand for nearshoring in Mexico is expected to reach 2.5 million square meters, according to CBRE. One of the main challenges facing the country is the shortage of electrical services. One solution is to complement industrial processes with energy derived from natural resources to reduce the demand for electricity.
Address service scarcity
Industrial parks provide a gateway for foreign investments. Companies seek locations that fulfill their business objectives while complying with government regulations. In recent years, the automotive, aerospace, medical, and electronic industries have established their presence in Mexico.
At VYNMSA, we offer industrial parks with strategic locations and various benefits to help companies establish their operations in Mexico:
- Our high-quality infrastructure allows you to meet all the requirements of your operation, regardless of the industrial sector.
- We also offer Build To Suit projects, covering all requested specifications.
- We provide the necessary electrical power for your project.
24/7 CCTV security for your peace of mind. - Our industrial concierge service provides comprehensive guidance and assistance for all your professional needs.
Contact us today to discover why we are your best option for growing your business.
