Detroit in the desert is a field of dreams for Irish suppliers

Conor Fahy is Enterprise Ireland regional director for Latin America. Photo: Fennell Photography

Conor Fahy

Flying across the Chihuahuan Desert, Saltillo suddenly appears, nestled under the shadow of the Zapalinamé mountains. At first, it seems a sleepy place, until the huge industrial complex just beyond the city comes into view.

Saltillo, in Coahuila State, was once the capital of Texas before its war of independence. It was here that John Riley and the Batallón de San Patricio, aka Los Colorados because of their sun-burnt complexions and red hair, fought for Mexico. Their sacrifice is still remembered here every St Patrick's Day.