Valeo Opens Its First Tech Center in the Americas

Valeo, the French automotive components manufacturer, has inaugurated its Valeo Mobility Technical Center (VMTC) in Queretaro, Mexico. This marks the fifth such center globally and the first in the Americas.

According to Marco Hernández, National Director of Valeo Mexico, this new center is part of the company’s broader commitment to Mexico, where it plans to invest $500 million over the next four years to support the growth of electromobility.

“We are opening the doors to a space where our ideas and talents will converge to create the future of automotive mobility based on software. The VMTC will not only be a place where we develop advanced technology but also a hub for local and national talent that will make all this possible”, Hernández stated at the event.

Local authorities confirmed that the investment to develop this center, located in Empresalia, amounts to $165 million. The center will expand Valeo’s capabilities to meet the rapid growth in electrification and the acceleration of assisted and autonomous driving. From this location, Valeo will develop technologies related to software, innovation, embedded systems, and other technological applications.

“The primary focus of the Tech Center is to serve North America, as we see significant growth in electrification and assisted autonomous driving”, Hernández added.

Globally, Valeo operates four other centers in different countries: Egypt, India, China, and France.

The VMTC currently employs 102 engineers, a number expected to increase to 200 by 2025. In a second phase, within the next two to three years, the workforce is projected to reach 500, covering various disciplines, including software development, systems development, embedded systems, electronics, mechanical engineering, and cybersecurity.

Jeff Shay, President of Valeo North America, emphasized the region’s talent potential, which was a crucial factor in choosing this location for the new center.

To attract talent, Valeo is launching a dual education program in collaboration with five local universities. The first phase will begin with two universities, expanding to three more in 2025 to broaden the talent pool.

As of the end of 2023, Valeo’s sales in Mexico reached $3 billion, with plans to double this figure by 2030, targeting $5-5.5 billion.

In Queretaro, Valeo operates three manufacturing sites located in the Queretaro Industrial Park, employing 4,000 workers. Nationally, Valeo has 14 production plants and three research and development centers focused on product development, with a workforce of over 13,000 employees, 29% of whom are women.