Many manufacturers enter Mexico through a shared shelter model to quickly launch operations while minimizing risk. But as your business matures, you may find the limitations of this model increasingly restrictive. For companies ready to scale and take ownership, transitioning to an independent shelter maquiladora opens a path to greater autonomy, strategic flexibility, and long-term cost efficiency.
Many foreign companies that expand into Mexico do so with a shelter partner. Many of these operational models are housed under a shared entity in Mexico. This allows companies to ramp-up very quickly, offering administrative support shared with the other companies.
As companies grow and take on new projects, there may be some reasons they are considering a change in their shelter maquiladora strategy:
For manufacturers with serious growth plans, the constraints of being housed in a shared entity can eventually hinder competitiveness and strategic execution.
That’s where we come in. A copilots to growth, we have guided multiple companies to operational independence in Mexico.
Ready to spread your wings?
The transition to an independent shelter maquiladora may seem daunting. But for companies whose business plan supports manufacturing independence, Prodensa can help them take flight and flourish in their venture.
Let's start a discussion with a Prodensa Advisor to see if you could have success with a transition to an independent shelter maquiladora.
In many cases, the operations model can change without the need to vacate your current manufacturing facility. We are here to be your copilots, guiding you through the transition and helping you reach your full potential. You’ll never feel alone in the vast blue sky.
As your operations grow, so does the need for direct control over labor, suppliers, compliance, and costs. An independent shelter maquiladora (a dedicated legal entity under the Shelter IMMEX program) allows you to:
Own your labor relationships and HR strategies
Gain better cost transparency and financial reporting
Customize compliance practices under Mexican law
Configure an operational model based on advanced tax strategies
This transition positions you not just as a manufacturer in Mexico, but as a fully empowered market player. If you are looking at Mexico as a long-term strategy for your operational footprint, an independent operation could give your more decision power.
Several indicators may signal it’s time to shift:
You're expanding product lines or increasing production volume
You require tighter control over procurement and logistics
IP protection has become a strategic priority
Long-term planning demands more operational independence
We’ve created a comprehensive e-book that walks you through the full process of evolving from a shared shelter model to an independent shelter maquiladora. This guide includes:
Legal and regulatory steps
Operational readiness checklists
Risk and cost comparisons
Insights from successful transitions
The shared shelter model remains a common market entry point, but it shouldn’t define your long-term presence in Mexico. By rethinking your approach and considering the advantages of an independent shelter maquila, you can build a more resilient, compliant, and strategically aligned operation for the future.
Contact me to schedule an introductory call about manufacturing independence in Mexico. Let’s talk about your goals, your current structure, your current resources, and your concerns. The transition from a shelter model to standalone operations requires careful planning and execution; we are here to support you.
Read more about the history of the shelter program.