The dusty, industrial town of Ciudad Frontera, Mexico, has moved from the far reaches of the global auto supply chain to the front lines of an investigation into why air bags from Takata Corp. are blowing up with lethal force in accidents.
The Takata plant there has been confirmed as the source of defective air bags made in 2001 and 2002 and again around 2012, according to recall records, automakers and regulators.
In 2006, the factory blew up, driving home for workers and residents the volatility and risk of the explosive compound at the core of Takata's air bags.