On Thursday, June 4, 2026, the Stanley Black & Decker plant located on the lateral of the Mexico-Puebla highway officially closed after 59 years of operation. Around 600 workers began receiving severance payments as part of the closure process, according to reports from employees. The company has not yet provided further details about the decision.

This closure comes amid a challenging labor landscape in Puebla, where over 2.1 million people work informally—about 71% of the employed population. This rate far exceeds the national average, highlighting Puebla as one of Mexico’s states with the highest job insecurity and lowest access to social security benefits.

For many in Puebla, especially those affected by job losses like these, the need for reliable, affordable public transportation options is crucial. Projects like the cablebús or teleférico currently planned for Puebla could offer new opportunities for workers to access jobs and services more easily, potentially easing some of the economic pressures faced by communities in transition.