Forces Driving Maquiladoras Along The Border Of Mexico And The United States: A Short Communication

Abstract

Mexico’s maquiladora industry is as important to the national economy as oil production and tourism for direct foreign investment and is a force that Mexico and partners need to understand and cultivate. Many internal and external factors affect the performance of maquiladora plants and they are heavily influenced by the U.S. economy. Long histories and blending of cultures have created a border region that is interrelated and dependent in both directions across the border. A review of the literature suggests many approaches to make maquiladoras competitive in global commerce. Getting the most out of maquiladoras may go beyond systems and processes because the best results may come from understanding and cultivating the rich culture the region holds as the critical resource in building teams and relationships. World class manufacturing takes systems and processes but does not forget the culture. A combination of nurturing people and nurturing a proximity strategy may be the most effective approach to sustainability.