METEPEC, Mexico, Oct. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) has today announced the opening of a new branch office in Toluca - Mexico's fifth largest city - as it continues to expand in the fastest growing cities around the world.

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Located in the Central-South region of Mexico, the Toluca office represents an investment of approximately US$ 4 million and becomes IBM's fifth office in the country after those in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Queretaro.

"Our expansion into fast-growing cities in Mexico such as Toluca is in line with growing demand for intelligent solutions from businesses and organizations across the region," said Hugo Santana Londono, Country General Manager, IBM Mexico and Central America.

"With the opening of the Toluca office, IBM reaffirms its long-term commitment to a growing number of clients and business partners who will now benefit from our direct presence in the region," said Mr. Santana.

As a major industrial area in Mexico, Toluca's economy has undergone radical transformation in recent years as increasing investments in infrastructure and resources increase its value to the national and regional economy.

Over the past two decades, Mexico has undertaken major reforms to liberalize its economy which has led to the emergence of fast-growing urban centers around the country. Toluca's central location and proximity to Mexico City have pushed the city to become a center for industrial growth.

"The transformational growth of Toluca has driven demand for advanced technologies as companies strive to become more efficient and competitive. The smart solutions that IBM provides in this market will enable the next phase of growth for this growing economy," said Guillermo Legorreta Martinez, Mayor of Toluca city.

Through a broad program of investment covering facilities, innovation centers, marketing, recruitment, training, academic initiatives and corporate citizenship, IBM is expanding its range of solutions and services in the region as it forges closer ties with both clients and partners.

The new office represents IBM's continued investment in Mexico, where the company expects to deepen its presence in line with increased demand for IT services and products.

In September this year, IBM announced that it was opening a Smarter Data Center, located at the IBM Technology Campus in Guadalajara city, Mexico. This first-of-its-kind facility supports the business transformation of enterprise and government clients who are seeking to increase the efficiency of their operations in today's global economic environment. As part of IBM's global network of more than 400 data centers providing clients with access to IT tools and resources, knowledge transfer, best practices and global standards, the new Data Center represents an investment of $30 million and is part of IBM's commitment to Mexico's development and growth.

With over 85 years in Mexico, IBM is actively investing in its Mexican operations - putting in place advanced infrastructure for service delivery, enhancing its manufacturing capabilities and expanding its footprint in high-growth locations.

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Contacts:

Susana Maldonado
IBM Mexico
smaldona@mx1.ibm.com
+ 52 55-5270-6502

Jonathan Batty
IBM Growth Markets Unit
Jonathan.batty@pl.ibm.com
+48 693935403

SOURCE IBM