Three types of industrial buildings

An industrial building is a facility used to house a company’s operational assets, such as vehicles, storage areas, machinery, production zones, and even office space. These properties may be custom-built to suit the needs of a particular industry or offered as lease spaces with pre-established infrastructure and equipment. In either case, they must comply with current safety and civil protection standards.

Based on the needs of each industry, there are three commonly used types of industrial buildings.

A-Class industrial buildings

According to the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), A-Class industrial buildings meet the highest standards of evaluation and quality in the market.

More than 50% of the industrial real estate inventory falls into the A-Class category.

These facilities are typically designed for multinational companies that manage large volumes of storage, manufacturing, production, or supply chain operations.

They are generally developed with a construction footprint exceeding 2,500 sqm and are capable of accommodating multiple users.

In terms of infrastructure, they feature leveling ramps with a capacity of up to 30,000 lbs. and provide at least 30 linear meters of maneuvering space. They also offer one parking space for every 4,000 sqm of warehouse area and one parking space for every 40 sqm of office space. Some of these properties are located within industrial parks, where they benefit from additional services and enhanced infrastructure.

B-Class industrial buildings

According to NAIOP, B-Class industrial buildings make up at least 40% of the industrial market and are distinguished by a construction quality that is lower than that of A-Class properties.

These buildings are developed on a construction footprint starting at 1,500 sqm and can accommodate one or more tenants.

This type of industrial space is commonly used by domestic companies that are willing to accept certain infrastructure limitations in exchange for the advantages of operating within an industrial facility. To align with this market segment, rental prices are often quoted in Mexican pesos.

B-Class buildings are mainly found in the central and Bajio regions, although some can also be located in the northern part of the country.

They typically include leveling ramps with a starting capacity of 25,000 lbs. and provide 20 linear meters of maneuvering space. In addition, they offer one parking space for every 6,000 sqm of warehouse area and one parking space for every 80 sqm of office space.

C-Class industrial buildings

The defining characteristic of C-Class industrial buildings is that they do not follow specific construction standards. As a result, they may feature unconventional design elements and may or may not include office space.

These buildings are constructed on a footprint starting at 500 sqm and are generally intended for a single tenant. Unlike A-Class and B-Class properties, they do not include leveling ramps and typically provide only one parking area for the entire building.

Unlike A-Class and B-Class buildings, these facilities are usually used for heavy manufacturing, storage of medium- or low-value goods, polluting operations, or non-specialized manufacturing processes.

It is common to find these buildings in older industrial zones or in locations that were not originally developed for industrial use. Although this category is becoming less common in major industrial markets, it can still be found in areas with a more regional industrial focus.

Understanding the differences between A-Class, B-Class, and C-Class industrial buildings is essential when evaluating industrial real estate options. Each category serves a different operational purpose and offers varying levels of infrastructure, flexibility, and construction quality. A-Class buildings are ideal for large-scale, high-performance operations, B-Class buildings offer a practical balance between functionality and cost, and C-Class buildings are typically suited for more specialized or lower-standard industrial uses.

Choosing the right type of industrial building ultimately depends on a company’s operational requirements, budget, and long-term logistics strategy.