PHARR, TEXAS — Cross-border agricultural trade between Mexico and the United States is poised for a significant boost as La Bonanza Avocados officially launches construction of its new 110,000-square-foot refrigerated logistics center in Pharr, Texas. The groundbreaking ceremony, held November 14, brought together local officials, Rio Grande Valley business leaders, and a high-level delegation from Michoacán as part of the RioPlex Tour Michoacán, a regional initiative aimed at deepening binational economic ties.
The event blended professional significance with moments of family pride, as La Bonanza President Gabriel Villaseñor delivered heartfelt remarks while his young sons circled the podium. “Today we celebrate the foundation of a dream that was born from the effort, trust, and vision of many people,” he said, describing the center as “a strategic point to connect our fields with new markets.” Expressing gratitude to his team and family, Villaseñor closed with a personal motto he said guides him daily: “Believe in yourself and anything is possible.”
The cold-storage logistics center—developed by CiL Capital Development Solutions and constructed by 4G Construction—marks one of the most important new assets in the fast-growing Pharr international trade ecosystem. Once complete, the two-phase complex will offer more than 30 loading docks, high-capacity refrigeration, and 6,700 square feet of mezzanine office space, enabling faster, more efficient distribution of Michoacán-grown avocados and other perishables to U.S. markets.
Master of Ceremonies Ingrid Ulloa opened the program by highlighting the strategic value of the facility, noting that RioPlex represents “a region that combines vision, innovation, and opportunities and that today celebrates a strategic project that will shape the future of our community.” She emphasized the significance of having business leaders from Uruapan, Michoacán—one of the world’s major avocado production hubs—participate in the ceremony. “Your participation makes this moment very meaningful.”
Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernández underscored how the project aligns with the city’s push to modernize infrastructure and strengthen global commerce. “In the City of Pharr, we are always interested in business, but business for the world,” he said. Pointing to roadway and bridge upgrades, he added, “We have brought more than 500 million dollars in investment to this area.” His message to businesses was clear: “Time is money for you, and we know that, and that is why we are investing millions of dollars.”
Representing the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, Francisco Méndez praised the company’s integrated supply chain strategy. “This is the type of company we want to support because it fosters the binational activity we strongly promote,” he said, noting that Pharr is “the best place to establish, expand, or simply launch your entry into the United States to be successful as a company.”
CiL Capital President and RioPlex Chairman Joaquín Spamer highlighted the confidence La Bonanza is placing in the region: “We can only thank you for trusting the region and trusting the City of Pharr.” He also emphasized the broader regional potential: “The RioPlex region is the best place where you can make an investment.”
Sharing details of recent economic tours with Michoacán leaders—including visits to SpaceX, the Port of Brownsville, and LNG developments—Spamer noted that the mission was designed to demonstrate “the capabilities and talent we have in the region.”
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Pharr International Bridge Director Luis Bazán offered an update on the transformation of the region’s busiest agricultural crossing. He reported that the bridge expansion is currently “73 to 75% complete” and expected to be fully operational in February 2026. The upgraded system will double the bridge’s operational capacity, converting the existing structure into an inbound-only facility while dedicating the new span to outbound traffic.
Pharr continues to be, he noted, “the number one bridge for the entire perishables sector,” with agricultural trade growing by 3% annually. Bazán also highlighted new FAST lanes that will accelerate certified cargo movement, pushing the region closer to “eliminating wait times.”
Following speeches, the event included the ceremonial laying of the first stone, official photos, and a blessing led by Monsignor Dr. Jorge Luis Roque, reinforcing the cultural and community importance of the project.
The presence of the Grupo Empresarial Uruapan delegation—along with regional economic leaders—underscored the significance of the new center within the RioPlex trade framework. Stakeholders throughout the event repeatedly emphasized that the new logistics hub will:
As the region continues investing in transportation, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration, the La Bonanza facility is set to become a cornerstone project—one that symbolizes both economic potential and the human stories behind international trade.
Originally reported by Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business in Texas Border Business.
