Manufacturing Month in Katy: Helping to build a workforce for the future

Katy, Texas is home to a host of manufacturing companies that are producing goods using the latest technologies and the raw materials that are plentiful in Texas. Kicking off on Manufacturing Day — Friday, October 1 —  and continuing throughout the month, we celebrate companies in the community for their employment opportunities and innovations that grow our economy.

Manufacturing Day Stretches Through the Whole Month of October

Launched annually on the first Friday in October with events that continue throughout the month, Manufacturing Day helps show the reality of modern manufacturing careers by encouraging thousands of companies and educational institutions around the nation to open their doors to students, parents, teachers, and community leaders. With the theme of “Creators Wanted,” the focus is on building the workforce of the future by educating America’s youth about the incredible career pathways that modern manufacturing offers. Manufacturing creates careers that are full of opportunities for advancement and stability.

Manufacturing in Katy

Texas has an extraordinary manufacturing economy. The state’s resources make it a natural leader in petroleum and chemical manufacturing; its research institutions have fostered computer-related and other high-tech manufacturing; and a business-friendly environment and skilled labor have helped create a burgeoning automotive manufacturing sector. Katy Area Economic Development Council is using this opportunity to call attention to the many manufacturing companies we have in our community. These manufacturers are leaders in technology and good workplace practices, produce high-quality products, and consistently innovate to keep in step with and progress in their industries. We are proud that these companies have made their home in Katy. 

Growth in Manufacturing Sector in Texas

Manufacturers in Texas account for 13.07% of the total output in the state, employing 7.04% of the workforce. Total output from manufacturing was $241.00 billion in 2019. In addition, there were an average of 881,000 manufacturing employees in Texas in 2020, with an average annual compensation of $90,098.75 in 2019. Manufacturing’s importance in Katy and throughout Texas is due to the sector’s stability and growth. In the area of exports too, manufacturers helped to drive the Texan economy, with $203.49 billion in manufactured goods exports in 2020.

Reasons Manufacturing Companies Should Locate in Katy, Texas

Located just a short drive from Houston, the economy in the Katy area has been ranked as one of the most recession-resistant location in the United States--for good reason. Roughly 55,000 people are employed in the Energy (Oil & Gas) employment cluster with strong growth continuing in the healthcare and tech sectors. 

Businesses in Katy benefit from robust transportation access. By road, rail, or air it is convenient to reach the entire United States. 

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 certain cases, financial incentives can be applied to make the move an even better investment. 

Over 200 companies, large and small, are headquartered here, including many large energy firms like BP North America, Shell Exploration and Production, Wood and DNV-GL, as well as other non-energy companies like Academy Sports and Outdoors, Igloo, Waste Management and High Radius. 

Energy continues to be our largest sector because Energy Grows Here! The Katy Area Economic Development Council has the experience and tools to help find the right fit for your business. Contact us here.