Manufacturing Growth in Texas Border Towns: Identifying the Best Locations
Advancing manufacturing activity in Texas border towns offers promising opportunities for economic growth and job creation. These towns possess a range of favorable conditions that make them prime locations for industrial development. This article explores the potential benefits and key considerations for each major town along the Texas border.
Why Texas Border Towns?
The Texas border region is rich with resources and favorable conditions that make it an ideal location for expanding manufacturing activity. Key factors include a warm climate, excellent transportation infrastructure, low tax environments, and a steady supply of skilled labor. What's needed is a strategic blueprint to leverage these advantages effectively.
Dallas-Fort Worth: A Prime Candidate for Aerospace and High Tech Manufacturing
Dallas-Fort Worth stands out as a significant player in the aerospace and high tech manufacturing sectors. This area has historically been a major center for aerospace manufacturing, hosting the largest cluster in the United States. However, in the 1940s to 1970s, California dominated this space. With strategic investments, Dallas-Fort Worth can reclaim its position as a leading hub. The location offers a supportive ecosystem with a skilled workforce and access to essential manufacturing inputs.
Corpus Christi: Seaport Opportunities in a Flexible Workforce Hub
Corpus Christi has the potential to become a major manufacturing center due to its strategic location as a seaport. The recently widened Panama Canal enhances its accessibility, making it a preferred destination for Pacific container ships. The local workforce in Corpus Christi is both flexible and skilled, especially in metal fabrication. This town offers a unique combination of natural resources and transportation infrastructure, positioning it as a promising location for various manufacturing activities.
Houston: Key to the Chemical Industry and Transportation Hub
Houston is renowned for its chemical industry, which thrives on the abundant oil and gas resources found in the region. Essential manufacturing inputs such as plastics and acids are readily available, contributing to a thriving manufacturing environment. Additionally, Houston serves as a crucial transportation hub, connecting manufacturers to both domestic and international markets. The city's vast infrastructure and skilled workforce make it an attractive destination for a wide range of manufacturing sectors.
El Paso: A Rich Tradition in Leatherworking and Apparel Manufacturing
El Paso boasts a rich tradition in leatherworking, dating back about 150 years. The town has attracted highly skilled Mexican craftsmen seeking better pay and working conditions, resulting in a unique workforce dedicated to specialized manufacturing tasks such as making cowboy boots and saddles. This unique workforce could be leveraged for manufacturing apparel, purses, and coats. Companies looking to establish in El Paso will find a well-trained and dedicated workforce, although machine maintenance logistics will be a key consideration.
San Antonio and Related Cities: Leveraging the Oil and Gas Industry
San Antonio and the nearby midsize cities of Midland and Odessa have substantial oil and gas resources. These areas are rich in highly skilled labor, particularly in skilled mechanics, hydraulics, controls, and technicians. The recent oil price war has led to a sudden availability of this workforce and a surplus of industrial buildings. This presents an opportunity for companies to establish manufacturing plants, taking advantage of the skilled workforce and industrial infrastructure.
Other Texas Border Towns: Potential Candidates for Manufacturing
While Dallas-Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Houston, El Paso, and San Antonio present strong cases, there are other Texas border towns that could benefit from increased manufacturing activity. Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Roma are notable locations with good transportation infrastructure and border crossings. Del Rio and Eagle Pass offer easy access to San Antonio and a supportive business environment, while Roma’s strategic location near the manufacturing hub of the twin plants makes it an attractive option. However, these locations may face limitations in machine maintenance supply.
Conclusion: Strategic Planning for Success
Every Texas border town presents unique opportunities for manufacturing growth. Successful implementation of industrial projects in these areas requires careful planning and strategic foresight. Whether in aerospace, chemicals, leatherworking, or oil and gas-derived industries, companies considering these locations can expect a supportive ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation. By investing wisely and planning strategically, these towns can unlock their full manufacturing potential.