Maquiladora Industry in Nogales Sends Workforce Home

The Border Reports – April 1, 2020

A total of 21,750 workers of the maquiladora industry in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, have been sent home after the temporary or partial closure of manufacturing companies to avoid the spread of the pandemia Covid-19.

This measure is in compliance with the directive issued by the State and Federal Governments to close non-essential companies, industries and establishments as preventive measure to avoid propagation of Covid-19.

A few days ago, industry executives informed that there were about 30 companies that that announced a temporary closing:  The companies that have made an official announcement are Chamberlain, MTD, M3, Carlisle and Amphenol.  The majority have reduced their workforce maintaining only essential processes.

During the morning of this Wednesday, personnel from Sanitary Control, Labor Inspection and Special Board, all belonging to the State Government, were seen visiting industrial offices to verify closure or if they were open, to confirm medical or nutritional industries which are considered essential.

The Nogales maquiladora industry that produces goods for export, employs about 43,500 workers.  Added to the national maquiladora industry, it surpasses 50,000 jobs in approximately 116 manufacturing facilities.

Executives announced that in the coming days the closing of industries will continue.