Strategic Expansion at Irapuato Electric Powertrain Center
Ford Motor Company has declared a significant enhancement of its electric vehicle (EV) production capabilities in Irapuato, Guanajuato, with a $273 million investment aimed at modernizing the Irapuato Electric Powertrain Center (IEPC). This initiative marks a pivotal move in the evolution of the facility from a manufacturer of gas-powered vehicle transmissions to a leading producer of EV motors and transaxles for Ford’s first entirely Mexican-made mass-produced electric vehicle.
Ricardo Anaya, Ford’s head of manufacturing for Mexico and Latin America, expressed enthusiasm about the investment, stating, “This investment not only acknowledges the exceptional work of our team and the quality of our products but also facilitates a more integrated operation among our manufacturing sites in Mexico, fostering further development within the country.”
Transition to Advanced Manufacturing
Since its inception seven years ago, the Irapuato facility has undergone significant changes. Originally focused on transmissions for gasoline vehicles, the site has been revamped since 2021 to support the production of the Mach-E, an EV model that Ford assembles in Cuautitlán Izcalli and sells across 41 countries globally, including regions in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Australia.
The transition has involved extensive renovations and employee training to adapt to the new production demands. Anaya highlighted that the plant now features state-of-the-art equipment, utilizing artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technology to enhance its manufacturing processes.
Guanajuato: A Nexus for Automotive Excellence
Guanajuato continues to solidify its status as a central automotive hub in the Central-Bajío region, renowned for its robust manufacturing infrastructure that attracts major automotive players like General Motors, Honda, Mazda, and Toyota. The state leads in production capacity, churning out over 800,000 light vehicles annually.
According to Ramón Alfaro, Guanajuato’s Minister of Sustainable Economic Development, the region is also a top destination for foreign direct investment in Mexico, particularly in the automotive sector. Recent investments have increasingly originated from Asian countries, including Japan, South Korea, and China, underscoring Guanajuato’s strategic importance in the global automotive landscape.
