Manufacturing Month in The Heart of Texas: Celebrating Innovative Manufacturers Throughout the Region

Having a manufacturing career is commonly associated with performing tedious duties in risky work conditions, but modern knowledge of the industry proves otherwise. Manufacturing employees do so much more than mundane labor — they brainstorm to create groundbreaking products and troubleshoot to enhance the quality of their goods.

The Heart of Texas is home to manufacturing companies producing goods using raw materials and recently developed technologies. Throughout Manufacturing Month, we at HOTCOG have been celebrating these companies’ employment opportunities and innovations that grow our economy.

Modern Manufacturing

Manufacturing Month helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions nationwide to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. Manufacturing careers are full of opportunities for exciting endeavors, personal advancement and stability.

“There’s no such thing as a low-skilled job in manufacturing anymore,” NAM Chief Economist Chad Moutray said in a 2023 Industry Outlook article for Manufacturing Dive.

Today’s typical manufacturing roles incorporate the latest technology like artificial intelligence, cloud computing and robotics into existing processes, quality control and problem-solving techniques. Additionally, sustainability is quickly becoming a focused aspect of manufacturing as companies seek to find ways to produce customary items in manners that coexist positively with their natural environment. 

The Heart of Texas has Numerous Benefits for Manufacturing Companies.

The Heart of Texas offers several advantages to national and global manufacturing companies. Among them are infrastructure assets such as broadband, renewable energy, affordable electricity, and an abundance of water and natural resources.

Robust transportation access in the Heart of Texas offers businesses the ability to receive raw materials and ship finished products quickly and efficiently to and from major markets throughout the country. The region is within 150 miles of Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Nearby transportation channels include Interstates 35 and 45, along with air and rail service.

Sites and buildings are available for manufacturing companies looking to expand. Here, businesses have the room they need to grow, and local economic developers are available to make it easy to find the perfect location. In some instances, financial incentives make the move an even better investment. 

The Heart of Texas’ workforce is plentiful, drawing on a large labor force. Additionally, workers possess skills applicable to the manufacturing industry. 

Leaders in The Heart of Texas

Many manufacturers have realized success due to the favorable economic environment in the Heart of Texas. These manufacturers are leaders in combining the latest technology and good workplace practices to produce high-quality products and consistently innovate to progress their industries. HOTCOG is proud that these companies have made their home here.

• Clifton Moulding Corp.
• Envases Commerce, LLC: Aluminum Can Manufacturing Division
• Hello Bello
• Packaging Corporation of America’s Waco Sheet Plant
• Uzin Utz’s Waco Production Plant

Manufacturing Growth in Texas

Manufacturing’s importance in the Heart of Texas and throughout the state comes from its stability and growth, ultimately creating jobs and economic opportunities for local communities. Manufacturing contributes over $226.95 billion to the Gross State Product annually, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). Other significant data includes:

• $254.50 billion in exported manufacturing goods in 2021
• 6.86 percent of Texas workers employed in the state’s manufacturing industry
• Average annual compensation of $93,726.93.

Showcase your Manufacturing Operation in the Heart of Texas

Manufacturers throughout the Heart of Texas can prepare your community’s students and future workforce by hosting a Manufacturing Month event to help them better understand how your company works. Use tips from the Manufacturing Institute’s toolkit to plan your big day. 

HOTCOG would like to emphasize that regional manufacturers are vital to Heart of Texas economies. Get in touch with one of our team members at (254) 292-1800 or info@hot.cog.tx.us  to stay in the know about manufacturing opportunities in our area!