COSTEP Drives New Industrial Investment Across Texas and Tamaulipas Through New Manufacturing Partnership Between CAS Global and ERA Group

A new industrial partnership between CAS Global LLC and ERA Group is reinforcing the growing economic integration between Mexico and the United States, while highlighting the strategic role of Council for South Texas Economic Progress in attracting binational investment to the Rio South Texas Region.

The project includes an initial investment of approximately $3 million and the creation of new manufacturing and logistics jobs in both Matamoros and Brownsville. The milestone was officially marked during the first production shipment from Matamoros to Brownsville, a tangible example of how cross-border collaboration is transforming the region into a globally competitive manufacturing hub.

COSTEP Played a Key Role in Bringing ERA Group to the Region

According to Steven Leblond, a regional investment visit organized by COSTEP in 2025 played a decisive role in ERA Group’s decision to establish operations in Matamoros.

“We were invited to Brownsville, where everything was organized for us. We visited Texas Southmost College, where Richard Mesquias Jr. showed us how workforce training is developed. Then we crossed into Matamoros, met local authorities, and toured educational institutions. What impressed us the most was the quality of the talent and the level of technical education available in the region,” Leblond explained.

He emphasized that discovering specialized industrial talent, including mold design and technical manufacturing capabilities, became one of the region’s strongest competitive advantages.

“Seeing universities teaching these skills was extremely valuable. The workforce is here, the universities support that training, and that means the talent already exists,” he added.

Strategic Location and Logistics Continue to Strengthen Cross-Border Investment

Beyond workforce availability, ERA Group highlighted the region’s strategic location and logistics connectivity as major reasons behind the investment.

“95% of our products are distributed in the United States. Being this close to the border simply made sense,” Leblond stated.

The project demonstrates how companies can leverage the complementary advantages of both sides of the border: manufacturing capabilities and specialized talent in Northern Mexico combined with logistics access and distribution infrastructure in South Texas.

CAS Global Recognizes the Importance of Regional Economic Development Partnerships

Magdaleno Flores also acknowledged the importance of COSTEP and regional economic development organizations in helping investors gain confidence in the region.

“We had already been working with ERA Group and had previous conversations, but COSTEP’s involvement helped solidify the project. In just a few meetings, they presented the region’s industrial advantages, workforce capabilities, and strategic resources. Organizations like the Greater Brownsville Economic Development Corporation also participated. Investors saw that level of collaboration and support, and that’s why they chose this region,” Flores explained.

Building a Competitive Binational Mega Region

For COSTEP, projects like this represent much more than isolated investments. They reflect a broader regional vision focused on consolidating a competitive binational mega region where communities on both sides of the border collaborate to compete globally.

In this case, COSTEP helped connect investors, manufacturers, educational institutions, and local authorities, creating the trust and coordination necessary for ERA Group to relocate part of its operations to Mexico while maintaining strong distribution access through Brownsville.

The results are already visible: manufacturing in Matamoros, distribution through Brownsville, and a new commercial alliance strengthening North America’s integrated supply chain.

Projects like the CAS Global and ERA Group partnership demonstrate that modern economic development is no longer just about attracting companies, it is about building trusted ecosystems where investment opportunities become long-term industrial success stories.

Discover why global companies are choosing the Rio South Texas Region for advanced manufacturing, logistics, and binational growth opportunities.