"We chose Midland as the location because of the city's healthy labor market, strong work force and great quality of life," says Robin Allen, Cingular Wireless regional vice president. Cingular announced in April plans to open a 750-seat call center in Midland. Company officials say they expect to expand the work force to 1,000 and anticipate generating $45 million into the local economy.
West Texas, particularly Midland-Odessa area has traditionally has been the home of the Texas oil industry. The Permian Basin is reputed to have some of the richest oil reserves on the globe. However, Midland and all of west Texas, is initiating a push to bring other industries into the area. "The energy industry has built and supported this community," says Bobby Norman, president of the First American Bank of Midland, "but we also need to remember it is a depleting resource."
Much of the management of Texas energy companies has been moved to the Houston area in the recent consolidation of many oil industries. Development officials are looking into ways they can assist oilfield service industries market their services to firms outside the oil sectors. Several studies have suggested an economic development sales tax to support growth in Midland and Odessa. However, local voters turn down the proposition twice in the 1990's.
Even before the recent step-up in military products production, Bell Helicopter's tilt-rotor facility in Amarillo had previously announced it would expand the hangar in 2002 by 48,000-sq. ft. (4,459-sq. m.). The aircraft manufactured at this facility takes off like a helicopter, and after swiveling its two rotors forward, can fly like a turboprop airplane. Bell officials praised the local work force at the opening of the facility and note the plane will be "among the most unique products that will change the way man flies."
--by Ginny Deal
