Only 1 in 5 Central Americans is employed in the formal sector and a lack of quality employment is one of the primary drivers of migration in the region. Poverty stands out as the leading motivation for migration with 74% of migrants citing it as the primary reason behind their decision to flee. One million new jobs would represent an increase in the rate of job growth from 2% to 2.7%. Achieving this job creation goal will require a concerted effort between our government, corporate, and civil society partners
Case Study 1
Parkdale Mills Opens New Factory in Honduras Benefiting Both the U.S. and Central America
South Carolina-based textile firm Parkdale Mills has invested over $150 million as a PCA commitment in a new factory in Choloma, Honduras, which benefits workers in both the United States and Central America. Testimonials from Jarion Lattimore in Gaffney, South Carolina and Josué Hernandez in Honduras represent the nearly two million workers across the integrated U.S.-Central America supply chain who together convert U.S. cotton grown in states like South Carolina, Texas, and California into clothing at facilities in Central America. This clothing is then shipped and sold at stores across the U.S. and around the world—creating millions more in direct and indirect jobs.
Beneficiary Testimonial
Case Study 1
Job Creation
Josué Obed Magaña Hernández, Honduras
Josué started working at Parkdale as a Forklift Operator and eventually moved into the role of Shipper before being promoted to Warehouse Manager. His life has directly benefited from the opening of the
new factory.
“I can say that because of my work at Parkdale Mills… I have been able to provide a life and education for my children. I was also able to afford a home closer to the new plants that are being built in Choloma. Another opportunity that the company has given me is the ability to learn English as a second language. Parkdale Mills has been and will continue to be a great support to our country, Honduras.”
Jarion Lattimore, Gaffney, South Carolina
Jarion is the Shipping Clerk at Parkdale Mills’ Plant in Gaffney, SC. He began his textiles career at 20 years old in June of 1991. Parkdale’s Central America operations and new investments in the region eqully support U.S. jobs and workers across the country.
“Being able to trade freely with Central American countries has provided me with a reliable job to support my family.”
Beneficiary Testimonial
First Auto Parts Plant in Guatemala as a commitment to the Vice President’s Call to Action and Partnership for Central America
In June 2022, Yazaki committed $110 million and 14,000 jobs in support of Central America Forward. Following that commitment, Yazaki North America, an automotive components producer, opened a $10 million plant in Western Guatemala. The new plant is located in a part of Guatemala that suffers from low economic opportunities and one of the highest rates of migration in the country.
Andy David Alfaro Berrios, Guatemala.
“My name is Andy Alfaro. I am an Industrial Engineer from the city of Coatepeque. Really, the treatment (Yazaki) has given us (at this new plant) has been magnificent. I would rate it 100 on a scale of 1 to 100, and we have had a great deal of training. The level of responsibility required at the plant is very demanding. Well, almost all of my colleagues are happy that this plant has opened, which will now produce harnesses for vehicles. The Yazaki plant for me has been one of the best plants that has come to Guatemala. It is new, unique, it has been radical. We have been waiting for this new project. One of my dreams is to be General Manager of Maintenance. I am in the maintenance area. I have great expectations, and dreams, to finish my house, to pay off the loan on my car, and many other things. Thanks to the help and support of Yazaki, we can improve our lives. I was unemployed for six months, no work. Believe me, I couldn’t get anything. I heard about the Yazaki plant, so I came to leave my documents, and thank God I was able to be hired. (Because of the plant) Many people have jobs today. Many people had been unemployed for years, including professionals like me. We were not working. But, thanks to God who was able to make it possible for the plant to be established, many people, hundreds of people have jobs.”
Miguel Esau Soto Gonzalez, Guatemala.
“My name is Miguel Soto, I am 28 years old. I am a production coordinator. I have a master’s degree in business administration. I am grateful to Yazaki for the opportunity to be here and to apply my university knowledge to help the organizational development of the company. I am motivated to be among the first employees at a company recognized worldwide in Guatemala. I am also grateful for this opportunity (in Guatemala) for the professional development of many people who have had many problems finding work.”
Case Study 3
First Auto Parts Plant in Guatemala as a commitment to the Vice President’s Call to Action and Partnership for Central America
In June 2022, Yazaki committed $110 million and 14,000 jobs in support of Central America Forward. Following that commitment, Yazaki North America, an automotive components producer, opened a $10 million plant in Western Guatemala. The new plant is located in a part of Guatemala that suffers from low economic opportunities and one of the highest rates of migration in the country.
Beneficiary Testimonial
Irma Leticia Quiñonez, Guatemala (SAE International)
“My name is Irma Leticia Quiñonez, I am a 30-year-old single mother, and I have four children. I didn't have the opportunity to go to school and had to work as a factory operator from a very young age. I was glad my company selected me to participate in a women’s program called P.A.C.E. I changed a lot after finalizing the program. I went from being a quiet and submissive woman, putting everyone above me, to discover the personal talents that I had hidden.
I understood the power of effective communication and how to help others without feeling overwhelmed and tired. During the training I also came to realize that I am a people person and have the gift of leadership, the ability to put others at ease and make them feel like they matter. My life was transformed when I was given the opportunity to participate in a leadership position in the factory, as a production supervisor for line #3. Being able to move from a sewing operator to a line Supervisor was a great opportunity for me. This new position helped me a lot in my professional life, and also in my personal life, because I will earn more money for my children and serve as a role model for my other fellow workers.”