Why Companies Should Onshore in Midland, Texas

Onshoring is top of mind for business executives who have watched their supply chains be disrupted and product deliveries delayed due to COVID-19. For four decades, companies have offshored manufacturing operations overseas in order to save costs. COVID-19 has forced companies to ask, “At what cost?” If the cost is an inability to supply customers and fulfill contracts, it may not be worth it. With 60% of U.S. manufacturing companies surveyed by Thomas reporting COVID-19 business disruptions, this is a widespread issue impacting virtually all industries. 

Onshoring is a logical solution to reducing the risk of future disruptions and delays, at least in part. Though companies may not be looking to move their entire operations back to the United States, opening U.S. manufacturing facilities as part of their global operations certainly is. In that scenario, Midland has a lot to offer, including strong infrastructure, central location, skilled workforce, innovative culture, available commercial space, and the nation’s only FAA-licensed space port co-located with a commercial airport. 

In addition to companies onshoring directly, 28% of suppliers surveyed reported that they are seeking domestic sources. This will create expansion opportunities for current U.S. manufacturers. Midland is uniquely positioned to support that growth and to be home to growing companies and those onshoring for the first time. 

Why Companies Should Onshore in Midland

#1 Available Commercial Sites

Midland’s Spaceport Business Park offers businesses the opportunity to secure commercial space in a property that is approved for launching satellites. The Midland International Air & Space Port is the first to be co-located with a major commercial airport. Leasing incentives are available for qualifying companies. 

The David Mims Business Park is located on Interstate 20. Fifty-two acres zoned Light Industrial are open, with all infrastructure and utilities in place. Other available properties range from raw land to 18,000 square foot buildings ready for occupancy. A full list of available properties can be viewed here. 

#2 Location

Midland is located in west Texas - the fastest growing state in the United States. Texas has shown remarkable growth and advances, in part because of the pro-business climate. Midland has been named one of the best places for entrepreneurs in the entire country. Midland itself is strategically located and within hours of the New Mexico border, El Paso, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. Houston, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Tucson, Santa Fe, Shreveport, and Little Rock are all within a day’s drive.

#3 Transportation Assets

When it comes to transportation, Midland delivers. Midland was built on the energy industry, with transportation infrastructure designed to support heavy freight. Midland has a commercial airport as well, making it easy to fly employees and clients in and out. A robust rail system supports local businesses. 

#4 Workforce

Midland’s strong workforce is designed to support industrial growth. Local training programs at Midland College and the University of Texas Permian Basin make it easy for companies to upskill workers as necessary. 

Reasons to Onshore Now

COVID-19 has shown the scale of the impact a pandemic can create, but it’s not the only disaster that can disrupt supply chains. Environmental factors are another: an increase in severe hurricanes, extreme weather, and fires are all unpredictable and uncontrollable.Many of the countries where U.S. companies have manufacturing operations have been hardest hit by these disasters, and their infrastructure is not secured to withstand them. The 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and floods in Thailand had crippling effects on the electronics and automotive manufacturing sectors. The global supply chain is fragile. Businesses that want to protect themselves must onshore at least part of their operations to protect their interests.

We Can Help

The process of finding a site, obtaining permits, constructing a facility, hiring and training a workforce may seem daunting. We understand and we are here to help. If onshoring is part of your business protection strategy, we can provide assistance throughout the entire process. Contact us to learn more.

Resources and Further Reading 

https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/60-of-u-s-manufacturers-say-business-has-been-impacted-by-coronavirus/ 

https://knowledge-leader.colliers.com/bret_swango/covid-19-the-great-accelerator-of-onshoring-part-1/