1.
Seizing opportunities

Since opening in 2018 with just eight companies, Querétaro’s logistics cluster, Cilqro, has grown to have more than 60 members, including providers such as Uber Freight and institutions such as Arkansas State University. Membership benefits include access to related companies, participation in meetings, networking opportunities and events, as well as certification and training programmes.

Cilqro’s director, Carlos Canseco, is passionate about making it easier for companies to set up operations in the Mexican state. “Our main goal is to strengthen logistics and value chains for companies coming to Querétaro,” he says. “I try to convince them that Querétaro is the best option.”

With its strategic position along major highways, rail infrastructure and ample warehouse space, the state offers the sector compelling advantages. For instance, a global operator that invested three years ago now has a 10,000 sq m warehouse that handles about 50 full-truckload shipments per day. “We seize opportunities in transportation, customs and warehousing,” says Canseco, who has helped numerous cross-border companies to establish a foothold.

Cilqro also collaborates with other clusters to devise strategies that position companies for success. “We work together to introduce investments in the state,” says Canseco.

Another standout initiative of Cilqro is the Diplomado Directivo en Logística, an executive-level training programme developed with Arkansas State University’s Querétaro campus. It currently has 75 students, all of whom occupy top-level positions. “It’s very powerful because they are directors,” says Canseco. “We’re equipping them with enhanced knowledge.” This programme is preparing for the next generation of logistics in Mexico – and a future full of opportunities.

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2.
Reaching new heights

Over the past 20 years, Querétaro’s aerospace sector has witnessed significant growth. The state’s airport has evolved into a hub offering numerous domestic and international flights, while companies now produce components for aircraft manufacturers including Bombardier and Airbus.

Established in 2010 in response to the industry’s rise, Querétaro’s aerospace cluster (Aeroclúster) began with a few companies and has since expanded to include various tiers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) that complete the supply chain. Today, the cluster has about 60 members, including government bodies, academic institutions, suppliers and multinationals such as Delta, Airbus and Safran. Under the leadership of Jatziri Barrios Porras, the cluster is focused on enhancing the region’s aerospace capabilities.

A recent collaboration with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) shows proof of concept: the aerospace and logistics clusters teamed up to analyse data and routes, creating a cost-effective distribution solution. “It’s a win-win relationship,” says Barrios Porras. “The OEMs benefit from reduced prices, SMEs secure new contracts and the logistics cluster gains new routes.” Being part of a cluster means that members can tap into each other’s knowledge. “It’s a good bridge of communication,” says Barrios Porras. It’s also a way to connect with the world. “Being part of a cluster allows you to be promoted from an international perspective.”

The cluster also maintains close ties with the Aeronautical University of Querétaro, created in response to the arrival of major aerospace companies such as Bombardier. “When the companies decided to establish themselves here, one of the main constraints was the requirement for highly skilled personnel,” says Barrios Porras. Programmes were introduced to equip students with skills tailored to industry needs. “It’s a very interesting ecosystem because students have the opportunity to learn through real industry requirements,” she says. It’s strategically essential, given the rapid growth of the industry, which has doubled since the coronavirus pandemic.

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3.
Driving force for sustainability

Querétaro’s automotive industry is well established, with major players such as General Motors operating in the state. Since 2013 its automotive cluster has been a key industrial group, earning ESCA’s Silver Label in 2022 and joining Redcam, a network of 12 clusters across 13 states. Led by Raúl Lizarriturri Martínez, it brings together companies, universities and the government to tackle industry challenges, with a focus on supply chains and circular-economy sustainability. “The intention of these initiatives is to save on carbon emissions and water,” says Lizarriturri Martínez. Its effectiveness stems from its status as a collaborator rather than an arm of the government. “We want to be a partner,” he adds. “We aim to execute public policies and generate funds to promote our programmes.”

Over the past four years, the cluster has hosted an annual industry event at which suppliers participate in training sessions with the goal of helping to develop circular-economy initiatives. The results have been remarkable: 251 participating companies have developed 371 initiatives, achieving substantial environmental savings, including reducing waste by more than 81,000 tonnes, saving 1,632 tonnes of carbon emissions, conserving about 112,300kWh of energy and saving 38.7 million litres of water.