I want to start off with something that may surprise you. Mexico is not only a manufacturing hub for cars or electronics. It has quietly emerged as a global power in the making of medical devices.
The numbers don’t lie. Today Mexico is the fifth largest exporter of medical devices in the world and the undisputed leader in Latin America. By 2024, the country had exported over **$12.4 billion worth** of medical equipment, with monthly exports reaching $1.3 billion in early 2025. The sector has about 250 facilities employing some 156,000 people .
What makes this even more impressive is that Mexico now sits as the second-largest medtech market in Latin America and the government is actively pushing for further growth under the Plan México initiative.
So if you’re looking to understand who the key players are in this thriving industry, here are five manufacturers you need to know.
1. Medtronic
Medtronic is arguably the biggest name in Mexican medical device manufacturing. The company has been in Tijuana for more than 20 years and has developed a huge footprint throughout the country.
Today, Medtronic has more than 13,000 employees in four manufacturing sites and a commercial office. In fact, two of those Tijuana facilities alone employ more than 5,500 workers, manufacturing life-saving devices such as coronary and vascular peripheral materials.
Here’s a stat that puts their presence in perspective: one out of every seven Medtronic employees globally is based in Mexico and the company exports more than 300 million units every year.
Medtronic’s difference is more than just size. They are also innovating locally. The company just launched its Percept PC Deep Brain Stimulation technology and the Evolut FX balloon-expandable valve—and both are made in Mexico—entirely. The quality and sophistication of the local workforce is underlined by the fact that a company of this size would entrust its Mexican operations to top-of-the-line products.
Official Website: https://www.medtronic.com
2. Becton Dickinson (BD)
Another global heavyweight that has deep roots in Mexico is Becton Dickinson, or BD for short. The company develops medical devices and instrument systems from multiple sites.
Their dedication to Mexico keeps increasing. BD recently announced an $80 million investment for a third plant in Ciudad Juárez, which soon will be in operation. The decision underscores BD’s faith in Mexico’s manufacturing prowess and its strategic location in North American supply chains.
BD’s Mexican operations make up a large portion of the country’s medical device exports and the company consistently ranks among the top producers. They focus on diagnostic systems, injection devices and surgical instruments, all manufactured to exacting FDA and international regulatory standards.
Official Website: https://www.bd.com
3. Medline Industries
Medline is the largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical and surgical products in the world and Mexico plays a critical role in their global supply chain.
The company has a strong foothold in Mexico. According to export data, Medline Mexico represented 9.4% of all medical equipment exports from the country. It is the largest share of all the manufacturers that operate in Mexico.
But Medline is not resting on its laurels. The company recently announced a $250 million investment for a new facility in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. The expansion will solidify their position as a dominant force in Mexican medical device manufacturing.
Medline produces everything from surgical gowns and gloves to complex medical devices, serving healthcare institutions across North America and beyond.
Official Website: https://www.medline.com
4. Abbott Laboratories
Abbott is a name known to all. The healthcare giant has been a major player in Mexico for decades, but they recently made a big move that deserves mention.
In early 2026, Abbott opened a new electrophysiology manufacturing plant in Querétaro with a $200 million investment. The facility is a specialist in technologies for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders, a high-value, high-complexity segment of the medical device market.
Abbott’s decision to locate the facility in Querétaro, rather than one of the traditional border hubs, is indicative of Mexico’s rising reputation as a destination for sophisticated manufacturing. The company uses Mexico’s skilled workforce and regulatory alignment to manufacture high-end devices for global markets.
Official Website: https://www.abbott.com
5. MED EVOLUTION
Now here’s something different. The previous four are global multinationals, while MED EVOLUTION is a 100% Mexican company that has earned its place among leading manufacturers.
Based in Mexico, MED EVOLUTION manufactures and designs hospital beds, stretchers, orthopedic furniture, wheelchairs, medical cabinetry and surgical consumables. They are certified to ISO 9001, ISO 13485 (the gold standard for medical devices) and ISO 37001.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MED EVOLUTION made significant progress. The firm worked with the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition to design the FLEX ONE, an invasive ventilator that is 100% Mexican engineering. During a time when essential equipment was scarce, they supplied around 18% of Mexico’s protective equipment and supplies.
Today, MED EVOLUTION is present in more than seven countries and is part of Nyssen Capital, a family group with more than 150 years of business history. They’re showing that Mexican innovation can compete on the world stage.
LinkedIn: Med Evolution
Why Mexico Has Become a Medical Device Powerhouse
If you’re wondering why so many manufacturers have chosen Mexico, there are a few key reasons.
Location. Mexico is also an ideal manufacturing base, with the United States as the world’s largest healthcare market. The integration is deep and Mexico ‘s medical device exports are approximately 90 % to the US .
Regulatory harmonization. Mexican plants routinely meet FDA standards and recent regulatory changes have streamlined the approvals process for devices already certified internationally.
Human resource. The country produces thousands of engineers and technicians trained specifically to make medical devices. Companies such as Medtronic and J&J have invested a lot in developing local talent.
Government Support. Under the Plan México initiative, the government is actively promoting the sector with incentives, trade missions and policy support.
Cost Edge. Manufacturing in Mexico is a hard-to-beat combination of competitive costs versus the US and high-quality standards.
The Future Looks Bright
There is no slowdown in the medical device industry in Mexico. With continued growth in investment and certification capacity, exports are projected to surpass $18 billion by 2030.
All over the country, new facilities are opening, from Medline’s Nuevo Laredo plant to Abbott’s Querétaro facility. And the emergence of Mexican manufacturers such as MED EVOLUTION indicates the nation is moving from assembly into real innovation.
As supply chains diversify and nearshoring trends accelerate, Mexico’s role as a medical device manufacturing hub will only get stronger. For those paying attention, this is a sector to watch.
FAQ
How big is Mexico’s medical device manufacturing industry?
Mexico is the fifth-largest exporter of medical devices, exporting more than $12.4 billion annually. The sector supports about 156,000 jobs in more than 250 manufacturing plants.
Which country receives most of Mexico’s medical device exports?
The United States is the primary market for Mexico’s medical devices exports, representing around 90% of these. The rest of the exports go to other countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia.
Where are most medical device manufacturing plants in Mexico located?
The main hubs are in Tijuana (Baja California), Guadalajara (Jalisco) and Monterrey (Nuevo León). These areas have specialized suppliers, certified facilities and great logistics connections.
What types of medical devices are made in Mexico?
Mexico manufactures a wide range, including cardiology devices, diagnostic imaging equipment, orthopedic devices, surgical instruments, hospital furniture and consumables like surgical gowns and gloves.
Are there Mexican-owned medical device manufacturers?
Yes. The sector is dominated by multinational companies, but Mexican companies such as MED EVOLUTION have grown a lot and compete internationally.
What regulations apply to medical device manufacturing in Mexico?
The manufacturers must comply with the COFEPRIS regulations (health regulatory agency of Mexico). Many facilities also hold FDA registration and ISO 13485 standards for export to the US and other markets.
Is the medical device industry in Mexico growing?
Yes. Exports are projected to exceed $18 billion by 2030. The government is actively supporting the sector with initiatives such as Plan México and large investments continue to be made.
What role do small and medium enterprises play in the industry?
Mexican SMEs are important in the supply chain, providing services of logistics, assembly, components and distribution. There is a growing movement to organize these companies under a proposed National Chamber of Medical Devices (Canadim).
