Yazaki is Ready to Open Second Plant in San Marcos to Expand Production for Ford
Yazaki will expand its operations in Guatemala with a second plant in San Marcos, where it will produce wiring harnesses for Ford F-150 vehicles, generate up to 3,500 jobs, and strengthen the country’s role in the regional automotive supply chain.
Guatemala continues to attract strategic foreign investment with the expansion of its automotive manufacturing sector, as Yazaki confirms a new production facility aimed at strengthening its operations and supply chain integration.
Second Yazaki Plant to Be Built in San Marcos
Yazaki North America (YNA) will construct its second plant in Guatemala in the municipality of Pajapita, San Marcos, located about seven kilometers east of its existing facility in Ayutla. Initial earthworks have already begun.
The new facility will cover 35,000 square meters and is expected to start operations in September 2027.
Up next, a video from the Congressman of San Marcos during his visit to the Yazaki factory.
@byronrodriguezp Como parte de mi compromiso con el desarrollo económico e industrial del país, junto a los diputados de la Comisión de Economía y Comercio Exterior realizamos una visita oficial a la planta de producción de YAZAKI, en Ayutla, San Marcos. Esta empresa de capital japonés emplea a cientos de guatemaltecos que, con su talento y dedicación, fabrican componentes automotrices de alta calidad para exportación. Durante el recorrido conocimos de primera mano los procesos productivos y el impacto positivo que genera esta inversión en la economía local. Desde el Congreso continuaré trabajando para fortalecer el marco legal que fomente un ambiente propicio para la inversión nacional y extranjera, siempre priorizando el respeto a los derechos laborales y el bienestar de las comunidades. Estos acercamientos con el sector productivo nos permiten construir un modelo de desarrollo más justo, sostenible e incluyente para todos los guatemaltecos. #viral #parati #fyp #viralvideos #trends #brodrigezp #guatemala #chapines502🇬🇹 #2025 #byronrodriguezdiputado #yourpage #noticiasguatemala #empleo #yazaki #yazakigroup #yazakiguatemala @yazaki_group_official @Faver Salazar
♬ sonido original - Byron Rodríguez
Job Creation and Capacity
At full capacity, the new plant is expected to generate around 3,500 formal jobs, contributing to economic activity in the region. This expansion follows the success of Yazaki’s first plant in Ayutla, inaugurated in 2023, which already produces wiring harnesses and supplies directly to Ford. According to Kenichi Fujisawa, president and CEO of YNA, the operation has been successful.
“Ford is satisfied and ready for operations to begin at the second plant,” Fujisawa stated, adding that formal work is expected to start in mid-January next year. The new facility will further strengthen Yazaki’s presence in Central America.
Strengthening Guatemala’s Industrial Development
Government officials highlighted that Yazaki is the first global automotive company manufacturing in Guatemala within the electrical and electronic segment.
“This marks an important step in the evolution of our industrial base and represents progress in the sophistication of our economy,” an official stated.
They also noted that the automotive value chain operates through levels of specialization, with Yazaki positioned at Tier 2, placing Guatemala at a more advanced stage within the global supply chain.
Japanese Investment Signals Confidence
Japan’s ambassador to Guatemala, Ryosuke Kuwana, emphasized that the project strengthens the country’s integration into North America’s automotive value chain.
“Guatemala has demonstrated a solid base of skilled manufacturing and operational excellence. The quality of the Guatemalan workforce was key in our decision,” a company executive noted.
Kuwana added that the project will create 3,500 well-paid jobs, position Guatemala as a reliable supplier to the United States, and potentially help reduce irregular migration while attracting more Japanese companies.
Investment Trends and Outlook
Authorities reported that in 2025, 80 companies were evaluating investment opportunities in Guatemala, with nine already established, including Nextil. Most are focused on light manufacturing.
Foreign direct investment reached US$1.6945 billion in 2024, with projections of US$1.8 billion in 2025 and expectations to exceed US$2 billion by 2026.
Officials also indicated that initiatives such as recent visits from international companies and upcoming Japanese business missions could further boost investment.
Yazaki’s second plant in San Marcos reflects continued confidence in Guatemala’s manufacturing capabilities. The project not only expands production for Ford but also supports job creation, strengthens the country’s role in the automotive supply chain, and reinforces its attractiveness for foreign investment.
