Manufacturing has long been an integral part of the Dallas economy. Several manufacturing industries have touched this Texas city, including automotive, aviation, and oil and gas. Dallas’ 100+ year industrial history has helped position Texas as the growing manufacturing powerhouse it is today.
In today’s manufacturing world, Dallas continues to have a significant industrial presence. More manufacturers are coming to the region, large companies are opening new facilities, and Dallas-based manufacturers are investing in current operations. As Dallas manufacturing thrives, the city will continue to attract new industries and investments to its growing market.
A Top Manufacturing Market
According to a recent report, Dallas ranks first on the list of America’s top 20 metropolitan areas for manufacturing in 2024. One reason Dallas ranked top of the list is because of the 9.2 million square feet of manufacturing space added to its market in the last five years.
This report goes on to highlight Texas’ other contributions to the nation’s manufacturing output. Among all 50 states, Texas exports the largest amount of manufactured goods and comes in second for factory production, trailing behind California. Additionally, the Dallas area has one of the lowest manufacturing labor costs in the nation.
All of these aspects highlight the significant role of manufacturing in Dallas. And now the city is working to embrace advanced manufacturing. Large, well-known companies like Siemens and Texas Instruments are expanding production and planning continued investments within the metro area.
Manufacturing Investment in Dallas
One of the most recognizable companies headquartered in Dallas is Texas Instruments. As one of the top semiconductor companies in the world, this company’s presence and continued expansion is leading Dallas into manufacturing’s digital future.
With Dallas manufacturing advancing, other large companies are being drawn to the area. One of the most notable is Siemens, which is investing in a $150 million high-tech manufacturing plant in Dallas-Fort Worth. This plant will help power critical electric infrastructure and green mobility. In addition to bringing hundreds of jobs to the area, the facility will also feature several smart manufacturing technologies, including digital twin technology, automation, and generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Another large company investing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is Greif. The company is opening a new manufacturing plant in the city. As an industrial packaging company, Greif will use this new facility to expand its business throughout the South and Southwest regions of the country. This plant will also have some advanced manufacturing technologies, including automated machinery.
Aside from these companies, there are other manufacturers expanding their presence in Dallas. With the acquisition of a warehouse portfolio sized at 1.4 million square feet, Blackstone is effectively doubling its industrial presence in the area. And as part of a large investment in North American manufacturing, Eaton, an electrical power management company, is expanding its Dallas facility. Manufacturing is continuing to grow and advance as more companies invest and expand in the Dallas metro area.
The Advancement of Dallas Manufacturing
More high-tech manufacturing facilities are opening in Dallas and continued investment is helping expand its industrial sector. This focus on the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area has led it to achieve the top spot for manufacturing in the nation. As manufacturing continues to advance, Dallas is one city helping to lead the way into the digital age of manufacturing.
If you’re a manufacturer looking to learn more about the Dallas region, or currently located in Dallas, you should look into attending HOUSTEX. This regional Manufacturing Technology Series event will be in Dallas for the first time in 2025. Attendees at this manufacturing trade show will get a chance to interact with new technologies and connect with some top manufacturers in the area.