Foreign Direct Investment in SLP: An In-Depth Look at the Employment Landscape for Foreign Professionals
Foreign Direct Investment in San Luis Potosí
An In-Depth Analysis of Employment Opportunities for Foreign Professionals
📑 In This In-Depth Analysis
Estimated reading time: 18 minutes
San Luis Potosí is experiencing an unprecedented industrial boom. With foreign direct investment projected to exceed $3 billion USD in 2025 and companies from Germany, Japan, China, and the United States establishing operations, the state has become a magnet for international talent. For foreign professionals considering a career move to Mexico, SLP offers a unique combination of multinational employers, competitive salaries, and a lower cost of living than major cities—all while maintaining the charm of a medium-sized Mexican city with rich cultural heritage.
This comprehensive guide explores the current investment landscape, identifies industries and companies actively hiring, breaks down visa requirements step-by-step, and provides practical insights for foreign professionals looking to build their careers in one of Mexico's most dynamic industrial hubs.
1. FDI Overview: Why San Luis Potosí Is Booming
According to data from Mexico's Ministry of Economic Development (SEDECO), San Luis Potosí has positioned itself as a national leader in foreign investment attraction. The state captured $3,649.4 million USD in Foreign Direct Investment during 2024, placing it among the top 10 states nationwide for FDI attraction.
$3B+
Projected FDI for 2025
Source: SLP State Government, September 2025
The investment landscape shows impressive momentum. In the period spanning Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, the state added $894.5 million USD in new investments. Governor Ricardo Gallardo Cardona announced that with major investments like Volex's $2 billion commitment, San Luis Potosí has already accumulated $2,642 million USD—exceeding the total recorded in 2024.
🇩🇪
$572M
Germany
Leading investor (Jan-Jun 2024)
🇨🇦
$136M
Canada
Second largest source
🇺🇸
$113M
United States
Third largest source
Recent announcements highlight the diversity of incoming investment. Five new international companies—KBY México, Lubricantes Fuchs, Unitekno, Kingfa Sci & Tech, and San Luis Dasung—have established operations, creating 2,003 direct jobs with positive multiplier effects in construction, commerce, and services sectors.
Investment Insights
"At least 10 companies have expressed interest in establishing operations in San Luis Potosí during 2025, and in recent months, investments of approximately 200 million dollars have been finalized."
— Ministry of Economic Development, State of San Luis Potosí (2025)
2. Key Industries and Major Employers
The state's industrial infrastructure is supported by 19 industrial parks, primarily located in the capital area, offering strategic locations, efficient logistical services, and standards that meet international investor expectations. According to the Industrial Zone Users Union (UUZI), approximately 520 companies operate across 3,800 hectares, including the Villa de Reyes conurbation, generating around 120,000 direct jobs.
Key Industries in San Luis Potosí
🚗 Automotive & Auto Parts
The dominant sector, with major OEMs and over 230 supplier companies.
Key Players: BMW, General Motors, Bosch, Continental, Lear Corporation, Magna
🏭 Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing including appliances, electronics, and industrial equipment.
Key Players: Mabe, Nestlé, Goodyear, ABB
⚡ Energy & Heavy Industry
Growing sector with investments in sustainable energy and heavy manufacturing.
Key Players: Grupo Alfa, Franke (Switzerland)
📦 Logistics & Distribution
Strategic hub for distribution thanks to central location and infrastructure.
Recent Investment: Automann USA ($50M distribution center)
BMW Group deserves special mention as one of the largest employers of international talent. The San Luis Potosí plant, which opened in 2019, features innovative digitalization technologies and robust infrastructure. According to Hermann Bohrer, President and CEO of the SLP plant, the company has received overwhelming interest from candidates, including people from other states and even from the United States.
📖 Company Profile: BMW Group San Luis Potosí
2,500+
Direct Employees
4,500
Applicants (Latest Call)
3+
Years Experience Required
Hiring Focus: Mechanical engineers, software engineers, electrical engineers, quality engineers, IT specialists, and logistics coordinators.
Requirements: Bachelor's degree in engineering (Industrial, Mechatronics, or related), 3+ years experience, fluent business English (spoken and written).
Recent Expansion: BMW is expanding electric vehicle production capacity, creating additional opportunities for professionals with EV experience.
3. The Nearshoring Effect
The global shift toward nearshoring—relocating production closer to end markets—has positioned San Luis Potosí as a prime destination for companies restructuring their supply chains. The state offers a favorable environment thanks to its geographical, cultural, and economic advantages, along with streamlined administrative processes.
39%
of nearshoring demand comes from the automotive sector
The automotive industry remains the main driver of nearshoring in Mexico (2024)
The numbers tell a compelling story. Coahuila and San Luis Potosí together represent 8% ($2,474 billion) of total investment announcements in the first half of 2024, emerging as leaders in expected job creation with 15,124 new positions—24% of the 62,940 projected nationwide.
"San Luis Potosí possesses a privileged condition in the country that must be leveraged. Its logistical connection with Nuevo León, Jalisco, and the Bajío region makes it an ideal platform for nearshoring operations."
Notable nearshoring investments include Shanghai Unison's $400 million commitment generating 3,000 jobs, and Chinese investments from Himile ($800 million pesos) and Asiaway Automotive Components ($750 million pesos) creating specialized manufacturing facilities for the automotive sector.
Industrial Space Absorption
- SLP represents 8% of industrial space absorption
- 61% of new companies entering the market
- 39% of existing company expansions
- 2+ million m² absorbed nationwide in 2024
- 5% annual growth in industrial real estate
4. Job Opportunities for Foreign Professionals
The influx of foreign investment has created significant demand for qualified professionals, particularly those with international experience and language capabilities. While Mexican labor law generally prioritizes local hiring, multinational companies actively seek foreign talent for specialized roles, leadership positions, and technical expertise.
🎯 Most In-Demand Professional Profiles
🔧 Engineering
- • Industrial Engineers
- • Mechanical Engineers
- • Electrical Engineers
- • Software Engineers
- • Quality Engineers
💼 Management
- • Plant Managers
- • Operations Directors
- • Supply Chain Managers
- • HR Directors (multinational exp.)
- • Financial Controllers
💻 Technology
- • SAP Specialists
- • DevOps Engineers
- • Java/Cloud Developers
- • IT Infrastructure
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