President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Wednesday a new expansion of investments by the French company Safran in Mexico, an announcement that comes just hours after the United States rejected a 16-year extension to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), opting to maintain the agreement until 2036 under a system of annual reviews.
From the National Palace, the president reported that she held a meeting with Safran's global CEO, Olivier Andriès, and members of his team, who confirmed the expansion of their operations in the country to strengthen the aerospace industry.
“In Querétaro and Chihuahua, they have invested more than $147 million and created 2,300 jobs,” Sheinbaum highlighted on her social media, where she affirmed that these investments represent another step toward boosting economic development with well-being.
Safran strengthens its presence in Mexico with more than $147 million in investment.
Safran strengthens its commitment to Mexico with a multi-million dollar investment
The announced expansion includes strategic projects in Querétaro and Chihuahua, two of the country's main aerospace hubs.
The Safran Aircraft Engine Services Americas Shop 2 complex was inaugurated in Querétaro, a project representing an investment of nearly $140 million.
The new facility covers 50,000 square meters and includes two workshops specializing in the maintenance of CFM56 and LEAP engines, a test cell, and a component repair area.
Safran strengthens its commitment to Mexico with a multi-million dollar investment in the aerospace sector.
With this center, the company seeks to meet the growing demand for engine maintenance for airlines in North America, Central America, and South America, consolidating Querétaro as one of the continent's leading aerospace hubs.
Meanwhile, in Chihuahua, Safran Electrical & Power ISA's fifth plant began operations, with an additional investment of $7.4 million and the creation of approximately 800 new specialized jobs.
Safran's presence makes Mexico a leader in the aerospace industry.
With more than three decades of operations in Mexico, Safran has established itself as the leading employer in the country's aerospace sector.
The company currently has more than 15,000 employees distributed across 20 production, maintenance, and engineering plants, where it manufactures components used by some of the world's leading aircraft manufacturers.
Safran's presence solidifies Mexico's position as a leader in the global aerospace industry.
Among its main activities are:
More than 15,000 specialized jobs in Mexico.
Uninterrupted presence for 34 years.
Production of components for CFM56, SaM146, and LEAP aircraft engines.
Manufacturing of 95% of the electrical wiring for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Chihuahua.
Production of landing gear, safety systems, cabin interiors, and flight components.
Maintenance and engineering centers serving international airlines.
The company's operations also include plants in Mexicali and Tijuana, where it manufactures electromechanical systems, aircraft cabin equipment, and components for commercial aircraft from Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, and Bombardier.
The announcement comes after the United States' decision on the USMCA
The confirmation of these investments comes at a key moment for the Mexican economy, after President Donald Trump's administration decided not to support the automatic extension of the USMCA for an additional 16 years.
Safran's announcement comes amid the United States' decision on the review of the USMCA.
During the trilateral meeting held on July 1, the United States announced that the treaty will remain in effect until 2036, but will be subject to annual reviews instead of a long-term renewal.
The US administration argued that there are several aspects of the trade agreement that require modifications, mainly related to the country's trade deficits.
Despite this, Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard clarified that the treaty will continue to operate under the current rules and that there is no risk, for now, of any of the three countries withdrawing from the agreement.
He also explained that the annual reviews will seek to gradually resolve outstanding issues among the three nations without disrupting the immediate functioning of regional trade.
Sheinbaum aims to maintain investor confidence
Safran's announcement was interpreted as a sign of confidence in foreign investment in Mexico despite the new trade landscape in North America.
In Querétaro, Safran CEO Olivier Andriès stated that the new infrastructure will allow the company to meet the increased global demand for aircraft maintenance services and will strengthen its global network.
Meanwhile, Chihuahua authorities highlighted that the new plant incorporates sustainable processes by operating with 100% renewable energy and systems designed to reduce its environmental impact.
In Querétaro, Safran highlighted that its new infrastructure will allow it to meet the growing global demand for aircraft maintenance.
Aerospace industry maintains momentum despite the new trade landscape
Although the United States' decision opens a period of annual reviews to the USMCA that could generate uncertainty for various productive sectors, Safran's expanded investments represent a message of continuity for the aerospace industry established in Mexico.
The combination of specialized infrastructure, skilled labor, and consolidated supply chains keeps the country as one of the most attractive destinations for international companies in the sector, even in a context of trade renegotiations among North American partners.
https://www.infobae.com/mexico/2026/07/02/claudia-sheinbaum-impulsa-inversion-de-safran-en-mexico-por-mas-de-147-millones-de-dolares/
