Across the United States, manufacturing serves as a cornerstone of economic innovation and strength. My home state of Texas is a powerhouse of manufacturing, contributing $241 billion to Texas’ gross domestic product – roughly 13% of the state’s total economic output. The state offers an extensive supply chain network of airports, seaports, interstate highways and railways and is the U.S. leader in international exports of manufactured goods.
One of the most crucial aspects of manufacturing expansion is site selection. With Texas ranked as No. 1 in 2024’s site selection rankings, the Lone Star State has solidified its reputation as an enterprise-friendly location poised for exponential growth. As an engineer with decades of experience working in Texas, I have seen firsthand how the right site selection leads to successful project outcomes.
Starting from the Ground Up
Site selection is more than just picking a plot of land. It is a comprehensive process that considers numerous factors, including proximity to key infrastructure, availability of utilities, zoning regulations and the potential for future expansion.
When a recent client embarked on attracting international companies to their city, we considered various factors. These included access to major highways like I-35, the availability of rail spurs for transporting raw materials and finished goods and the capacity of local utilities to meet the high demands of manufacturing plants. The goal was to ensure that the selected sites could support the long-term needs of these businesses.
Collaborating with Public Works
A key method to do so is working closely with local municipal utility and public works departments. Manufacturing plants often require millions of gallons of water or vast electrical capabilities each day. Site selection helps determine the feasibility of this demand and outline the necessary infrastructure improvements required to support it.
The success of bringing companies into your city often hinges on strong, reciprocal relationships. As engineers, our role is to facilitate this process, bringing together all the necessary elements to create thriving industrial facilities that benefit both businesses and communities – keeping in mind the residents’ own utility needs.
The Value of a Local Team
As local experts, STV possesses an intimate understanding of the region’s infrastructure, regulatory environment and community dynamics. With that knowledge, we can navigate the complexities of local zoning laws, utility capacities, and environmental considerations with ease.
Armed with the in-depth knowledge of each selected site, we can better support the final design of the structure: from rail spurs to roadways.
Leveraging Comprehensive Expertise
At STV, our comprehensive range of services can be fully integrated into the site selection process. Our local leaders in civil engineering, roadway extensions, utility work and site development allow us to provide a holistic approach to site selection: from initial site plans to final construction, we ensure that every aspect of the project is meticulously planned and executed.
