Tijuana Case Study

Last year, ICON Aircraft announced the construction of a new facility in Tijuana to produce composite airframe components for the A5. The airframe parts will be delivered to ICON’s existing factory in Northern California, where the rest of the aircraft manufacturing process will be performed, including paint, systems installation, final assembly, testing, and aircraft delivery. This system will be operational next November.
“Manufacturing in Mexico is a powerful capability for a global industrial company, which many others in the aerospace, automotive, and powersports sectors have recognized for years,” said ICON’s VP of Manufacturing, Thomas Wieners. “Tijuana is ideal for ICON’s needs because it is a rapidly-emerging industrial center with

From the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, from small rural agricultural and ranching communities to large urban centers of innovation and advanced manufacturing, the border is based in both tradition and the crossing of boundaries.
The southern border U.S. states are crucial for trade. Last year, this region accounted US$132.7 billion in exports to Mexico, while more than 1 million jobs were supported by this economic activity, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The U.S – Mexico border has four main Mega Regions. Each of these regions is unique and has different capabilities and resources. As a result, they attract specific industries.
The CaliBaja Mega Region has developed an innovation hub. Also, this region has a strong presence of advance manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, audio-visual equipment, and electronics. Many companies have operations in both sides of the border strengthening their competitiveness, while reducing

“Both the private and public sectors must coordinate efforts. For example, Mayors and Governors from both sides of the border or representatives make joint delegation trips to other countries to promote the region or visit a company considering various sites for their future business expansion or relocation. A joint pitch with both private and public sectors representatives sharing information about the region’s assets and government incentives are ideal. Because as a combined region, we are more competitive and, actually, unbeatable globally.”
The Mega Region concept has been embraced by both Tijuana and San Diego Mayors. They do binational promotion, while a regional delegation also promotes the mega region in both countries and overseas.
“The world is taking notice of our world-class innovative ideas and products and as a result, our aerospace, medical device, auto manufacturing and logistics industries in San Diego, Tijuana and Northern Baja are thriving. We will continue to promote our region and the possibilities that exist here on both sides of the border with one voice,” said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. The AriSon Mega Region is evolving and diversifying its industry. For decades, this region has been a top choice for the agri-food port industry, but now the region is attracting