Five Reasons to Build a Manufacturing Future in Midland

Midland, Texas, is the fifth-largest economy in the State of Texas, and for many, it is likely best known for oil production. Situated in the heart of the Permian Basin, Midland indeed has a rich oil-industry legacy, but the rapidly growing city of 144,687 is also developing a reputation for offering a strong environment for nurturing manufacturing businesses. Midland Development Corporation (MDC) is hard at work helping that burgeoning manufacturing community grow and thrive.  
So, why should manufacturing businesses put Midland on their map? Here are five reasons it makes sense to move or grow your manufacturing business in the city. 

1. Midland has room for your business to grow

Midland has a number of industrial properties available for immediate occupancy and acres of vacant land ready for development. Whether you need office space or industrial property, an existing building ready for a new tenant to bring it to life or vacant property where you can build to suit your unique needs, Midland has something to offer. We even make finding the perfect property easy with a convenient GIS planning tool. 

2. Midland offers a strong and growing workforce 

At more than 143,000, the population of Midland grew more than 8% from 2020 to 2024, and that growth continues today. Factor in the surrounding area, and there are more than 180,000 residents from which to build a vibrant workforce. All told, Midland has a workforce of more than 66,000, and the city’s population has a median age of 32. That means you can hire workers now and retain them for years to come. Learn more about the city’s demographics on our website. 

3. Midland offers proximity to energy and potential clients

Midland’s location in the Permian Basin presents a prime opportunity for manufacturers serving the oil and gas industries. But it’s not all oil in Midland. The manufacturing community is diversifying to include high-tech industries, such as space travel. The city-owned Midland International Air & Space Port is the first spaceport co-located with an FAA Part 139 airport, and the facility is an approved Commercial Space Launch Site, which makes Midland the perfect location for companies that are producing, testing, and launching satellites and reusable vehicles. To better serve these businesses, Midland’s Spaceport Business Park offers 377 acres available for aerospace and aviation development. 

4. Midland has educated employees and opportunities for training 

Midland’s workforce isn’t just large. It’s smart. The city has nearly twice the national average of engineers per workforce population size, and nearly 40% of the city’s workforce holds at least an associate’s degree. An additional 23% have some college experience, and MDC regularly works with local institutions, including Midland College and the University of Texas Permian Basin, on training initiatives to support local businesses. These include the Midland College Advanced Technology Center, a unique partnership among Midland College, the Midland Independent School District, and community partners that delivers technical workforce education programs to create employees prepared to meet the specific needs of industry in Midland.

5. Locating in Midland provides marketing advantages

While Midland offers numerous benefits for B2B operations, B2C companies can also benefit from establishing their operations here. Operating in the United States allows companies to market their products as American-made, which is valuable in a market where 76% of consumers say they prefer to buy U.S.-made products when available and 82% would choose an American-made product over a similar product made elsewhere. Many people are also willing to pay more for American-made products, even during periods of economic stress. Additionally, the Foreign Trade Zone #165 at Midland International Airport allows companies to defer, and in some cases reduce, customs duties on imported goods, while supporting activities such as assembly, packaging, and warehousing.

Discover Midland

Midland is full of opportunity for manufacturing businesses. From property to people to business opportunities, we have the resources to help your business thrive. To learn more about manufacturing opportunities in Midland, contact Midland Development Corporation today.