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To the outside observer, the twin border cities of El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico may seem like an unlikely place for global trade.  The arid desert climate and lack of seaport access contradicts the blooming success that the border’s largest metroplex of 2.2 million people now enjoys.  For the manufacturer and site selection consultant, Juarez, Mexico offers a combination of many advantages in the highly competitive web of global manufacturing.

Reason #1: Location
At the center of the 2,000-mile-long US-Mexico Border, products originating in Juarez can reach West-coast markets within two days and East-coast markets within three days, making the Juarez market the ideal location along the border to equally distribute North-American bound products.  The El Paso metroplex is served by Interstate-10, the only cross-continent interstate open year-round and connecting the ports at Long Beach to the ports at Jacksonville, Florida.

Reason #2 Experience
Juarez has enjoyed over 35 years of twin plant manufacturing and local partners, the maquiladoras, three generations of Mexican workers have grown up in the discipline of manufacturing.  Juarenses are used to dealing with many foreign companies establishing in their marketplace as the benefits of the border have not been limited to US companies alone. 

Reason #3: Labor Force
Juarez is known as the largest Mexican city whose labor force has not been penetrated by labor unions.  Thanks to the efforts of both government and private developers, Juarez is adding tens of thousands of home sites for its growing labor force.  This stability in housing translates into a stable workforce that rewards companies with lower turnover and increased tenure.

Reason #4: Services
El Paso provides a broad base of suppliers and necessary services to this growing industry.  El Paso also provides a high quality of life for American ex-patriots and their families who choose to live in the United States and enjoy the benefits of health care, shopping and airport access.  Juarez also supports a growing organic base of suppliers in its continuing to attract outside investment for local entrepreneurs to service the 350 operating plants.

Reason #5: Infrastructure
Juarez is well known as a highly progressive city with respect to the addition of major roadways, electric substations, water wells and a soon-to-be completed water treatment plant.  Juarez also posts an active air cargo business supported by international runways in both cities.

Reason #6: Political Support to Industry
The political climate in Juarez is a traditional, conservative and pro-business heritage.  There is a close relationship between the business community and the political leadership that ensures the ability to support continued growth.

Reason #7: Social Stability
A vibrant middle-class is clearly emerging in Juarez.  El Paso is continually ranked among the top five safest cities in the United States.

Reson #8: Border Crossings
The border between El Paso and Juarez is served by five area crossings that are continually upgraded by both countries.  There is also a progressive approach employed by government officials to cooperate and facilitate with the growing volume of cross-border shipments. 

Conclusion: 
Why Does Juarez Work?  Because it is the most blended of all the border markets, a representation of a true partnership that highlights for industry the best of both cultures sharing a common language, predominant religion, zest for capitalism and an opening for entrepreneurs.  Juarez works because it allows its industry and those that support it, to do so.