April 27, 2026 [Hydrocarbon Engineering]- The Pacifico Mexinol project celebrated the beginning of its pre-construction phase by symbolically laying a first stone, marking the start of one of the most significant global industrial investments in blue and ultra-low carbon methanol.

The event brought together diplomats, authorities, and national and international business leaders, reflecting the project’s strategic importance for Mexico and its integration into the emerging low-carbon economy.

The ceremony was led by Rommel Gallo, CEO of Transition Industries, Mexinol’s parent company, alongside the US Ambassador to Mexico, Ron Johnson; the Undersecretary of Trade and Industry at the Ministry of Economy, Dr. Vidal Llerenas; the Director General of International Affairs at the Ministry of Energy, Dr. Laila Porras; and the Director of CFEnergía, Eréndira Corral.

Multilateral organisations also participated – including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group – along with international investors, representatives of development finance institutions, export credit agencies from the US, Italy, Germany, and South Korea, federal officials, and executives from global companies involved in the project’s development. Messages were also received from the Ambassadors of Japan and Italy, reflecting the broad international and financial support for this initiative.

In his keynote address, Rommel Gallo, CEO of Transition Industries, highlighted: “Mexinol is a strategic platform for North America’s competitiveness, generating economic value and quality jobs in Mexico and the US. Equally important, it integrates global resources, infrastructure, and capital to deliver a world-scale chemical facility. We are proud of the partnerships built to position Mexico as a key player in the new global chemical industry, strengthening its role in more sophisticated value chains and optimising the use of resources, from wastewater to natural gas and green hydrogen.”

Ron Johnson, US Ambassador to Mexico: “We are not just breaking ground today. We are building the future of both of our countries and strengthening the kind of partnership that delivers tangible results for our people. Today marks an important milestone, not only for the Mexinol project, but for our bilateral relationship. Beyond cross-border jobs and development opportunities, we are here to support a private investment model based on trust, transparency, fairness, and the rule of law.”

Vidal Llerenas, Undersecretary of Trade and Industry at the Ministry of Economy: “We recognise the support of the Mexican government for this strategic project for the industrial development of Sinaloa, which strengthens confidence to attract investment. Beyond the numbers, Pacifico Mexinol will generate jobs, opportunities, and economic development for the region. It is an initiative aligned with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s Plan México, promoting more balanced and sustainable growth in the country.”

Laila Porras, Director General of International Affairs at the Ministry of Energy: “Pacifico Mexinol demonstrates that strategic collaboration between the state and the private sector can position Mexico as a reliable and competitive partner in the transition to cleaner energy, reinforcing its leadership and responsibility in the global climate agenda.”