CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO-CBRE says manufacturer Polygroup, has opened a new facility here-the first located outside of Asia for the concern.

The Polygroup family of companies is the largest manufacturer and distributor of artificial Christmas trees and related products in the world with more than 14,000 employees worldwide. It is also one of the leading producers of above ground swimming pools, inflatable pool toys, and inflatable air mattresses.

At the new 130,777-square-foot facility, Polygroup Industrias Mexico S.A.de C.V. will manufacture molded plastic swimming pools, above ground pool accessories, artificial Christmas trees and related Christmas decor products, for distribution in North America, Mexico and other parts of Latin America.

“We chose Juarez over other Mexican locations due to its geographic proximity to the U.S. market, good labor availability, lower operating costs, and strong infrastructure,” said Eric Steinmeyer, Polygroup director of global operations. “CBRE was helpful in showing us several locations in Mexico before we settled on Juarez.”

The Juarez facility will initially employ approximately 500 workers. “We hope to expand our operations in Mexico in the coming years to be able to provide quality products to our customers in North and South America at a competitive price compared to those made in Asia, and more importantly have them produced closer to the end-user reducing order lead time and providing faster fulfillment,” added Steinmeyer.

In the second or third quarter of 2014, Polygroup will begin sourcing a warehouse/distribution facility in the El Paso area. Its products are sold in more than 40 countries and at nearly every major retailer globally.

Chad McCleskey, with CBRE in El Paso, represented the tenant. Verde Realty represented the landlord, Verde Independencia Industrial S De Rl D.

CBRE Group, Inc., headquartered in Los Angeles, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (in terms of 2012 revenue). The company has approximately 37,000 employees (excluding affiliates), and serves real estate owners, investors and occupiers through more than 300 offices (excluding affiliates) worldwide.