Orbia Netafim opens major irrigation manufacturing plant in Mexico to boost Americas supply

Orbia Netafim has opened a new manufacturing facility in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, expanding its production footprint in the Americas as demand for precision irrigation technologies continues to rise. The 30,000-square-meter plant is among the company’s largest globally and becomes its third manufacturing site in Mexico and 21st worldwide.

The facility will initially focus on producing thin-wall drip irrigation systems, with plans to add heavy-wall dripline manufacturing in the future. Equipped with advanced automation technologies, the plant is designed to increase production efficiency, maintain product quality, and improve supply reliability for growers across North and Central America. By localizing production closer to key agricultural markets, Orbia Netafim expects to reduce lead times and strengthen support for farmers throughout the growing season.

The new site complements the company’s existing North American operations, which include manufacturing facilities in Reynosa, Mexico, and Fresno, California, as well as recycling plants in California and Culiacán, Mexico. Together, the facilities form a regional manufacturing network aimed at responding more quickly to customer demand.

“We are seeing strong and sustained demand for precision irrigation solutions across the Americas as farmers navigate water constraints, rising costs and the need to improve productivity,” said Sameer Bharadwaj, chief executive officer of Orbia. He said the Hermosillo facility would strengthen regional supply chains and improve the company’s ability to serve markets where adoption of precision irrigation technologies is accelerating.

Located in one of Mexico’s most important agricultural regions, Hermosillo offers access to major farming areas and transportation infrastructure, including rail connectivity adjacent to the plant. Sonora is a significant producer of commodity crops and fresh produce but also faces growing water scarcity challenges, making efficient irrigation technologies increasingly important for agricultural sustainability.

According to Gaby Miodownik, president of Orbia Precision Agriculture (Netafim), the investment reflects the company’s strategy of maintaining close relationships with growers and helping them improve resilience through advanced irrigation solutions. The facility is expected to create approximately 200 direct jobs while generating additional economic activity through local suppliers and service providers.

Source: AgroPages