What is a Maquiladora (in-bond operation)
	What is a Shelter Program
	Which companies are suitable for a shelter program
	Why establishing an off-shore operation in Mexico
	Top advantages of establishing an off-shore operation in Mexico
	Which are the best locations in Mexico to establish an in-bond operation
	How can Intermex help in this process
	Why working with Intermex
	Costs of my operation if manufacturing in Mexico
	Who should I contact

There are a variety of support services that are needed by the maquila operations (logistics, customs, environmental, human resources, relocation services and legal and accounting services) that can be more effective provided by Mexican companies who have knowledge of their community and culture.

	without loosing control over the manufacturing processes,
	without performing costly investments and,
	without having legal presence in the country.

	Companies that do not have the strong capital and human resource investment backup to start a manufacturing operation in Mexico by their own,
	Companies that wish to learn about manufacturing in Mexico before switching to a stand-alone operation,
	Companies that are required by their customers to bring their product next to their manufacturing plant,
	Companies that have customers in Mexico but do not have off-shore experience,
	Companies that wish to reduce their costs without having to send operations overseas,
	Companies that want to take advantage of the NAFTA and other Free Trade Agreements Mexico subscribes,

As a common interest in reducing the production costs, many companies have to choose between manufacturing in Asia, Europe or Mexico.

When production/lean cells and production systems are configured correctly, the lead-time from time of schedule change to receipt of new product at EOM/distributor site can be one week, or less, with normal ground transportation. While this requires pre-planning for inventories and supply chain responsiveness, one week lead-times are very normal from Mexico.

While Asian and European suppliers are very motivated to receive new business, the ocean vessel container shipping lead-times, even when using a shipping broker, are normally planned at 4 weeks. This can be, on occasion, improved to 3 weeks, but for most outsource and OEM products, ocean freight still takes about 1 month. Airfreight is becoming a more cost-effective option for some compact, high value-added products especially as part of a contingency plan for 'emergency' product availability.

The quality of any outsourced product is most closely related to the quality of the process, equipment and tooling, documentation and training materials utilized by the original manufacturer and the level of skills in the direct labor.

The cost savings varies with the type of product, labor content, process control and capability, freight costs and other overhead requirements. But for Mexico, from many real life experiences the typical cost savings are from 25,000 to 35,000 USD per employee per year.

Working conditions are a function of regulations and the management staff (and investors) that run the site. Most maquiladoras have conditions equal or better than equivalent sites in the US. Many Mexican sites offer subsidized transportation, meals, on-site healthcare or daycare, paid medical, air-conditioning, training and incentives.

Proximity to the U.S.
Saves time, money, and resources. Materials and finished goods have shorter transit times. Suppliers are closer. Communication issues are less complicated due to fewer time zone changes, and any cultural differences easier to transcend.

Preferential U.S./Mexico customs programs
Under Mexico's maquila program, manufacturers pay little to no duty on raw material and capital equipment entering Mexico; U.S. duty accrues only on value added to materials during the manufacturing process
Manufacturers gain access to the 95 million Mexican market; 75% of maquila product can now be sold in Mexico, by 2001, 100% may be sold to Mexican markets

Better service to your customers
You may need to be close to your customers - many OEMs are requiring their suppliers locate in Mexico

An edge for competing in North American markets
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) typically gives duty preferences to companies who manufacture in North America and whose products qualify under NAFTA rulings.

Industries have developed areas of specialization, the Automotive industry is located in the northern states of the country like Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Nuevo Leon; as well as the central region in states like Jalisco, Guanajuato, Morelos, Estado de Mexico, Puebla, Aguascalientes, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi. Autoparts, electronic components, electronic products, textiles, plastic products and metal products have also their influence areas.

The type of operation, its complexity, its closeness to suppliers and customers, and the infrastructure requirements, are the most important issues to consider before deciding which city is the most appropriate for your facility.

Intermex can help through all the process of establishing an In-Bond operation providing:

	Design and construction of industrial facilities according to the customer needs,
	Lease or sale of industrial buildings,
	Shelter services for any off-shore operation,
	Shared shelter services for small or pilot operations, and
	Comprehensive Logistics services

	We have more that 30 years helping establishing off-shore operations in Mexico.
	We work as a One-stop shop
	Open book policy
	A group of experts to your service along all the process
	Account executive dedicated to your operation, among others.