A Mexican corporate shelter, administered by a service firms like Border Assembly, Inc. (BAI), is a business, typically a manufacturing or assembly operation, established by a United States or foreign-owned company in Mexico. The corporate shelter firm handles all of the client firm's permitting and licensing , regulatory compliance, administration, staffing, legal issues, and facility leasing. The client firm provides equipment, a production supervisor, and materials for making or assembling its product. The corporate shelter firm does all of the rest. BAI charges an hourly fee that covers payroll and service charges, which combined, still come out to half of what you're paying now for labor costs.

What is a maquiladora?

Governed under special provisions by Mexican law allowing import and export of materials and finished products tariff-free, a maquiladora is an American or foreign-owned factory in Mexico subject to these rules and exemptions.

How long does it typically take to establish a maquiladora?

Depending on the specific requirements of the manufacturing operation, anywhere between four weeks and a couple of months or more. The average time it takes for BAI to establish a Mexican corporate shelter for clients is six weeks, and in many cases, it only takes four.

Can I expect the same quality standards as in the U.S.?

Absolutely. There’s a reason more televisions are produced in Tijuana than any other location in the world. Tijuana also pumps out an impressive number of fiber-optics, computer components, electronics, and automobile parts. In addition to fastidious, responsible line workers, San Diego’s sister city has a substantial, expanding pool of designers, engineers and manufacturing professionals.

Can opening a manufacturing operation in Mexico really be simple?

Utilizing the corporate shelter program, yes! BAI does the work, your start-up costs are minimized, and once going, you maintain complete control of production quality.

Aren’t maquiladoras “sweatshops?”

Some could be, just like scores of manufacturing operations in the U.S. and other countries. But BAI’s operations are ethical, its employees well-paid, they get nice benefit packages, and work in clean, healthy environments. It's simply unfair to label all maquiladoras sweatshops. BAI’s factories are well managed, and employees are treated fairly. We invite you to visit and see for yourself!

Why is manufacturing in Tijuana more cost effective?

Lower real estate costs, lower cost of living, and a government with laws and policies that favor business help keep manufacturing costs low in Mexico.

Are there other ways to manufacture in Tijuana?

Yes. You can hire a contract manufacturer, if you’re lucky enough to find a reliable one. You may also do it yourself, but you’ll spend loads of money, have to hire lots of consultants, and it may take years before you’re up and going. A Mexican corporate shelter is by far the easiest, quickest, and most reliable way to manufacture in Mexico.

What makes manufacturing in Tijuana, Mexico a better option than manufacturing in China?

No matter where you are in the United States, Tijuana is only a few hours away by plane. This close proximity allows you to easily (and inexpensively) visit your operation as often you like to check on production and enjoy the climate and multitude of things to do in the region. Once produced, your manufactured or assembled goods are in an excellent location for easy, cost-effective shipping to U.S. and Pacific Rim markets. Using BAI and its corporate shelter program, you deal with an American firm on American soil, and don’t leave production or distribution to chance as you may when manufacturing in China or other offshore location.

Why hire Border Assembly Inc.?

That’s an easy one... Experience. We’ve been in the business for over 35 years, and have helped more than 70 companies establish maquiladoras in Tijuana.

Is a maquiladora in Tijuana recommended for any type of manufacturing?

Tijuana is best for labor-intensive operations. If payroll accounts for 15% or more of your production overhead, you can save at least 50% on labor costs and should consider the maquiladora option.

If you want to find out if BAI ‘s corporate shelter program in Tijuana is right for your company, send us a request for more information, or give us a call at (619) 710-0555. And don’t forget to ask for a free cost estimate. Thanks for visiting. We look forward to hearing from you.