In the early 2000s, Paul Karon had a vision—one that would challenge conventional wisdom and redefine the possibilities for manufacturing in Mexico.
Paul took his first leap in the dark on this journey, selling his stock in a major shelter operation and inviting his brother-in-law, Doug Donahue, to join him. Doug, inspired by Paul’s dream, made a significant life change of his own—leaving Mexico City and a successful, established career to join his brother-in-law in pursuit of this shared mission.
From vision to reality
At the kitchen table in the family home, they masterminded their bold plan to create a space where US manufacturers could thrive in Mexico.
After months on the road together, exploring every nook and cranny of Mexico south of the US border, they made a daring choice: Zacatecas. At a time when Mexico was under intense competitive pressure from China and other low-cost regions, most manufacturing facilities clung to Mexico's border cities—expensive, overcrowded hubs where costs were climbing. Paul and Doug envisioned a different strategy. Instead of following the herd, they set their sights on Mexico’s interior, a region dismissed by most for its distance from major ports and logistical networks.
Zacatecas became Entrada’s first home.
While freight costs were higher, the dramatically lower labor costs and untapped talent pool presented a rare and compelling opportunity. It was a calculated risk that reflected the heart of Entrada's philosophy: be bold, be visionary, and go where others won’t.
Decades of dedication
That decision paid off. Today, Zacatecas and other interior regions of Mexico are thriving industrial hubs, with global giants—German and Japanese OEMs among them—choosing the country's center over the once-favored border towns. Entrada’s pioneering spirit was ahead of its time, leading the way for a manufacturing revolution in Mexico.
From those humble beginnings, Entrada has grown into a leader defined by innovation, courage, and a relentless pursuit of possibilities others overlook. Our story is one of transformation—not just for us but for the industry we helped redefine.
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Our Milestones, Your Confidence
Paul and Doug spend 8 months on the road, visiting every small to medium sized city from Sinaloa to Vera Cruz to find the ideal site.
Paul and Doug spend 8 months on the road, visiting every small to medium sized city from Sinaloa to Vera Cruz to find the ideal site.
Paul and Doug spend 8 months on the road, visiting every small to medium sized city from Sinaloa to Veracruz to find the ideal site.
A 200,000 sq ft industrial park in Fresnillo, Zacatecas becomes the first campus site, with the support of a local entrepreneur and the regional government.
First shelter deal signed with Gilbarco USA.
Fresnillo expands with a campus building project to customize a space for a US based automotive wire harness supplier.
Entrada Group is awarded CTPAT Certification for US Homeland Security.
First aerospace manufacturer, MEGGITT, sets up operations in Fresnillo campus.
Labor pool reaches 1,000 workers hired for Entrada campus clients.
First medical device manufacturer, NX Stage, sets up in the Entrada campus.
First European manufacturer signs a shelter deal with Entrada Group.
Entrada Group swipes its first sub-contracted operation from China.
Labor pool reaches 2,000 workers hired for Entrada campus clients.
Entrada Group Shared Services Center hires its 100th employee.
New offices with new medical and recruitment facilities completed.
OEA Certification (the Mexican Equivalent of CTPAT) awarded.
Q1 Ford Preferred Supplier Certification awarded to Entrada Group’s client to support their automotive manufacturers.
AAA Certification is earned, recognizing Entrada Group’s impeccable financial compliance with Mexican regulations.
Construction for a second campus location begins at Celaya.
Labor pool reaches 5,000 workers hired for Entrada campus clients.
Entrada Group Shared Services Center hires its 200th employee.
Campuses expand to a whopping 1,000,000 sq ft of industrial space.
First Asian manufacturer signs a shelter deal with Entrada Group.
Entrada Group lands a 9-million-dollar subcontracting opportunity for its newest client.
Celaya campus designated a specialist site for medical device manufacturing.
Entrada Group becomes a founding member of the first Medical Device Manufacturing Cluster in the State of Guanajuato.
Over 16,000 trucking shipments to and from the US border and 112,000 customs declarations completed.
Domico Medical signs a contract, bringing the total number of clients to 30 over 22 years in operation.
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