Companies come to Texas to make and move their products. With ample access to natural resources and an extensive network of airports, seaports, and railways, the state’s assets seem too good to be true. Yet the proof is in the products. 

For 21 consecutive years, Texas has been the No.1 exporting state in the nation. In 2022, Texas exported $485 billion in goods and $55 billion in tech. This accomplishment wouldn’t be possible without Texas’ massive workforce. With more than 940,000 skilled workers, Texas boasts the second-largest manufacturing workforce in the country. 

Due to these attractive assets, the state has built a robust industry network that includes leaders like Lockheed Martin, Caterpillar, Samsung and Kimberly-Clark. As more companies move in, many industry giants have announced plans to increase their production and presence in Texas. 

Only a year after Raytheon Intelligence and Space’s $100 million Advanced Integration and Manufacturing (AIM) Center opened in McKinney, the aerospace conglomerate announced another expansion for this facility. The latest project, estimated to cost $216 million, will scale the company’s facility by 478,469 sq. ft. Raytheon expects this project to generate 700 new jobs in addition to the 500 jobs introduced when AIM was completed. 

Taiwan-based global Electronics maker Delta Electronics is also expanding its facilities. The company purchased 30 acres in July to scale its Plano operations by 400,000 sq. ft. The electronics manufacturer hopes that this additional space will support the expansion of its product offerings and accelerate development. 

“It will be the spark for what will be an important manufacturing hub in north Edinburg. ”

— Ramiro Garza Jr., Mayor of Edinburg, on a new project from Pendulum Development and De Lucio USA

When the expansion was announced, Kelvin Huang, the president of Delta Electronics Americas Region, said, “The Plano complex exemplifies Delta’s deeper commitment to the development of a resilient supply chain while also expanding our footprint in the U.S.” 

“In line with Delta’s commitment to the RE100 global initiative, we expect this new site to operate 100% on renewable electricity by 2030. Delta is a company deeply rooted in innovation, and we will develop cutting-edge technologies in our new facility while aiming to generate a great number of jobs for talented Americans in the Southwest.” 

Last August, East Penn Manufacturing Company celebrated the opening of its new battery finishing and distribution center. Located in Temple, the facility will introduce 260 new jobs to Central Texas. “As the global demand for batteries continues to grow, this new facility will further stimulate Texas’ booming economy and usher in greater opportunities to the people of Central Texas,” said Governor Greg Abbott. Through this expansion, East Penn Manufacturing Company is set to bring in more than $106 million in capital investment and was offered $1.4 million in Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant funding. 

Another major manufacturer expanding in Texas is LS Mtron. Since 2021, the company has seen an increase in the demand for its injectable molding equipment and machines, especially its large-tonnage models. To fulfill its customer’s needs, the company opened a new LS Mtron Large Tonnage Tech Center in Brownsville, co-located with LS Mtron customer MVP Plastics. In addition to Brownsville, the company has opened two more U.S. locations in California and Georgia. With these new facilities, LS Mtron aims to stock more parts and increase its inventory of molding machines. In the U.S., the company currently has over 40 machines in stock, including models up to 1,400 tons. 

Beauty Manufacturing Solutions Corp announced a second location in the DFW Metroplex in November. The $150 million, 445,870 sq. ft. Fort Worth facility will allow the company to introduce 250 new jobs and increase the production and development of its personal care and beauty products. 

The following month, in the South Texas city of Edinburg, Pendulum Development and De Lucio USA broke ground on a 70,000-sq.-ft. truck trailer manufacturing facility. “Highway 281, the interstate, is vital for commerce in our area. We want to thank Pendulum and De Lucio for their decision to manufacture here. It will be the spark for what will be an important manufacturing hub in north Edinburg,” said Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. told the Rio Grande Guardian. The first phase of the project will introduce 100 jobs to the area. Once construction is completed, the partnership expects 300 new jobs to be created. 

Advanced manufacturing thrives in Texas. Plain and simple. 

Unlike any other state, Texas offers its companies a reliable environment ripe with resources, affordable real estate, and individuals ready to work. Once companies relocate to Texas, they know that the only place to move is up. 

With its reputation for manufacturing excellence, Texas recruited several high-profile companies to invest in the state in 2021 and 2022. These investments include Samsung and Texas Instrument’s multi-billion semiconductor manufacturing facilities to be constructed in Taylor and Sherman.

Texas has the nation’s second-largest manufacturing workforce, with nearly 250,000 employed in the sector. The state is also home to approximately 6,000 manufacturing operations, including three of the largest automakers and the top semiconductor producers.

While such huge investments are certain to grab headlines and attention, they are far from alone in selecting the Lone Star State for their manufacturing operations. From high-tech components to recycled steel and building materials, products that are Made in Texas hold a uniquely high standard around the globe. According to 2021 data from the Office of the Texas Governor, Texas leads the nation in exports — for the 20th year in a row — and is also No. 1 in tech exports for the ninth year in a row. In total, Texas exports accounted for almost 1 million jobs.

“Made in Texas is a powerful global brand, and the Lone Star State continues to dominate the nation in exports, thanks to our unrivaled and productive workforce, robust infrastructure and welcoming business environment,” said Gov. Greg Abbott.

In February, Steel Dynamics, one of the country’s largest domestic steel producers and metal recyclers, opened its new manufacturing facility in Sinton. The new facility will create more than 590 new jobs and generate more than $1.9 billion in capital investment.

“Texas remains a shining example of business excellence in the United States thanks to companies like Steel Dynamics who are moving here in droves to grow, flourish, and contribute to our booming economy,” said Governor Abbott. “I am proud to welcome Steel Dynamics to the great state of Texas and look forward to working together as we ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for Sinton and the entire Lone Star State.”

Last fall, D6, an advanced design-to-shelf packaging manufacturer using recycled plastics, announced its decision to relocate its headquarters from Portland, Oregon, to Sulphur Springs. The project will create 231 new jobs and $27 million in capital investment. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $1,432,200 has been extended to D6. In addition, D6 has been offered a $6,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.  

Where the Builders Are Building

In McGregor, Knauf Insulation, Inc., a subsidiary of Knauf Group AG, a multinational producer of building materials and construction systems, announced a $210 million capital investment that will create 151 new jobs. A Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $819,175 has been extended to Knauf Insulation, Inc.  

At the time of the announcement, Knauf Insulation President & CEO Matt Parrish said the company is “excited to expand our North American manufacturing operations to McGregor. As part of a global, family-owned business, we believe the timing is right, and McGregor is exactly the type of community where we desire to expand and partner for the future.”

“As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of insulation products and solutions, expanding our North American presence is a top priority for our family’s company,” said Knauf Group AG General Partner Alexander Knauf. “Selecting the City of McGregor and the State of Texas as our next expansion location will position Knauf Insulation to continue to meet the expanding needs of the building industry for the long-term while supporting the economic expansion to this vibrant community. On behalf of our family, I want to thank Governor Abbott and the great people in the McGregor community for being strong partners.”

In Parker County, Wagners CFT, LLC has established a new manufacturing and assembly — the company’s first U.S. manufacturing plant. The company manufactures a range of structural fiberglass sections that are fabricated into beams for use in bridges, boardwalks, and marine infrastructure. The project will create 304 new jobs. Wagners received a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $1,799,984.

Corrigan OSB, a subsidiary of Martco LLC (RoyOMartin), expanded its facility in Polk County, creating 50 new jobs and $211 million in capital investment. The wood-products manufacturing company first opened a plant in Texas in 2018, creating 170 jobs.

“With this new OSB plant, we will be well-positioned to meet the backlog of demand for quality building products, produced from renewable, sustainable resources abundant in our region,” said E. Scott Poole, RoyOMartin President and COO. “Our growth in East Texas has given us an influx of talent with a tremendous work ethic, a long-term, sustainable, raw-material base, and access to a growing and vibrant residential market. I could not be prouder to further expand our footprint in the great state of Texas. We remain steadfast in investing in our people, our forestland, quality manufacturing, and our growing customer base.”