Governor Greg Abbott recently emphasized the robust growth of Texas' manufacturing industry, highlighting significant investments that have bolstered the sector in 2024. Governor Abbott remarked, "Through innovation, dependability, and our world-class workforce, our manufacturing industry ensures ‘Made in Texas’ remains a powerful global brand." He credited increased investments in career and technical skills training programs as pivotal to this success.
One of the key developments this year was the formation of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee (TSIC EC), announced by Governor Abbott in March. The committee is tasked with maintaining Texas' leadership in semiconductor research and manufacturing. "Texas is the birthplace of the integrated circuit, and we now lead the nation as the No. 1 state for semiconductor manufacturing," said Governor Abbott.
In April, Governor Abbott attended the groundbreaking ceremony for an advanced manufacturing training center at Texas A&M University’s South Texas Workforce Development Project near Brownsville. He stated, "This new state-of-the-art facility here at the Port of Brownsville will train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow."
August saw further expansion with Texas A&M's Coastal Bend Occupational Advanced Skills Training (COAST) program in Corpus Christi. Governor Abbott noted that businesses require highly-skilled employees and are prepared to invest in them: "The program announced today by Texas A&M will provide the experience and training for skills like cyber security, robotics, and pneumatics."
On Manufacturing Day in October, Governor Abbott visited Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco to promote job training programs that align with high-demand careers. "'Made in Texas' has never been a bigger brand," he stated.
Later that month, Governor Abbott celebrated Corrigan OSB's new facility opening. He praised its contribution to North America's largest OSB facility: "Corrigan OSB’s expanded manufacturing facility will be the largest OSB facility in all of North America."
Most recently, Governor Abbott introduced Bell Textron Inc.'s project under the new JETI program at Fort Worth's Manufacturing Technology Center. This initiative promises over 400 jobs and $429 million investment for future military aircraft production: "With more than 400 new jobs and a $429 million investment, Bell is making a Texas-sized investment."
