Most expansion checklists are written by people who’ve never actually had to wait on a CFE power commitment. This one is written from the other side of that wait — the questions that, answered late, are exactly what turns a 14-month plant into a 22-month one.
What Should You Verify Before You Shortlist a Site in Mexico?
Before shortlisting a site in Mexico, verify your real power requirement in MVA (not just square meters), CFE capacity confirmed at the specific park rather than the municipality, and whether your target labor market is already competed-for by other employers in that corridor.
Before you choose an entry model
| Checklist Category | Key Verification |
|---|---|
| Site | Power in MVA, park-level CFE confirmation, labor competition |
| Entry model | Shelter vs. standalone fit, permit dependencies, customs broker relationship |
| Lease | Clear height/dock/floor load match, written power commitment before signing |
Before you sign a lease
Confirm the building’s clear height, dock count, and floor load against your actual equipment — not the listing’s marketing copy. And get the power commitment in writing before the lease, not after. We cover the full scoring model in site selection.
Want this checklist run against your specific plant? talk to a softlanding lead and we’ll tell you what’s missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to verify before shortlisting a site in Mexico?
Your real power requirement in MVA, then a CFE capacity confirmation at the specific park, not just the municipality.
Should the entry model be decided before or after site shortlisting?
Before, ideally. Comparing shelter versus standalone IMMEX against your actual volume horizon should happen early, not under lease pressure.
What should I verify about a building before signing a lease?
Clear height, dock count, and floor load against your actual equipment, plus a written power commitment, not just the listing’s marketing copy.
Why do permit dependencies matter before choosing an entry model?
Which permits depend on which others in your target state affects your timeline directly, and it changes depending on whether you go shelter or standalone.
