Texas Border Business
Harlingen, TX – With the recent announcements of United Launch Alliance extending their lease in Harlingen and SpaceX building a launch pad in Cameron County, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation believes that timing couldn’t be better to target the Aerospace Industry. In fact, if you ask HEDC, they’ll say that the aerospace industry will define the future of the South Texas region for generations to come. In the past year, HEDC has acted on this belief by leveraging the city’s assets and partnering with the private sector and other government agencies to attract new aerospace industry to Harlingen
Houstex Trade Show and Conference
In an unparalleled collaboration between private industry and local government in Harlingen, United Launch Alliance invited HEDC to join them at Houstex earlier this year. The aerospace trade show and conference features hundreds of exhibitors focusing on the latest manufacturing technologies and new interactive opportunities. Highlights from the trade show included witnessing the most up to date and innovative Additive Manufacturing/3-D Printers and Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) instruments. ULA officials indicated at the trade show their plans to move more of their production in house. The also believed that it was essential that the HEDC know exactly what their plans were. By partnering with ULA, HEDC was able to understand what new lines were being considered and what new equipment would be needed locally. The trade show also offered HEDC the opportunity to talk to manufacturers about the advantages of being located in Harlingen and their proximity to potential suppliers.
HEDC officials also seized this opportunity to discuss the new Harlingen Aerotropolis at Valley International Airport. The 480-acre air park was recently recognized as a Certified Site and ready to be developed by McCallum Sweeney Consultants, one of the world’s leading site selection and economic development consulting firms.
Space Symposium
In the spring, HEDC Chief Executive Officer Raudel Garza attended the 31st Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs, CO. The event attracted space leaders from around the world to discuss, address, and plan for the future of the space industry. The space symposium, widely known as the premier U.S. space policy and program forum, was attended by many and included representatives from NASA, NOAA, FAA and Boeing. Garza was joined by Marv Esterly, Aviation Director for Valley International Airport and was able to meet with various executives from aerospace companies such as ULA and SpaceX among others. The conference provided a unique opportunity to discuss Harlingen’s new developments in the aerospace industry with key decision makers and site selectors.
Aerospace Summit in Mexico
This past month, HEDC traveled abroad to attend the Aerospace Summit in Queretaro, Mexico. Ramiro Aleman, Director of Industrial Development, along with representatives from Valley International Airport and Western, LLC, were on hand to meet with executives from the aerospace industry at a global level. According to Aleman, the event allowed them to gain insight into the industry and strengthen the collective efforts concerning the recruitment of new business to South Texas. Cindy Gettig, Marketing and Development Coordinator for Western, LLC stated, “Overall the experience was very educational and encouraged new strategies and avenues to take in order to reach the right industries that can benefit from expanding or relocating into the Harlingen area.
HEDC plans to continue marketing Harlingen this upcoming year by attending new trade shows and conferences and meeting with executives to promote Harlingen and grow the already burgeoning aerospace industry in South Texas.
For more information about the aerospace industry in Harlingen, contact Harlingen EDC CEO Raudel Garza at (956) 216-5081 or rgarza@harlingenedc.com.
