Target Sectors

Advanced Manufacturing

Did You Know?

From new technologies to new production processes and systems to improve the manufacturing process, Advanced Manufacturing is alive and well, and growing, in Waco. We welcome industries that are technology-intensive and employ a larger than average number of workers in research and development.

Waco’s advanced manufacturing target includes aerospace and defense and companies that manufacture materials, transportation equipment, machinery, energy storage and electrical equipment and other components.

Waco's Largest Industry

The Waco MSA manufacturing employment base represents approximately 13 percent of the workforce (16,000).

Manufacturing skill sets reflect Waco’s diverse and advanced industrial base including transportation equipment, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, electronic assembly, industrial equipment, building materials, plastic and steel manufacturers.

Well Recognized

13%
Of Waco's workforce has a manufacturing employment base (16,000)
#1
Precision production, manufacturing and engineering programs from TSTC
Top 10
In the nation in awarding two-year technical engineering and computer science degrees
Our Advantages

Area colleges supply a broad spectrum of workforce training. Baylor University’s top-rated business, entrepreneurship and engineering programs offer talent and research capacity. Texas State Technical College, headquartered in Waco, boasts Texas’ No. 1 precision production, manufacturing and engineering associate/certificate programs and is among the top 10 in the nation in awarding two-year technical engineering and computer science degrees.

That has helped to attract industry leaders to Greater Waco like Mars Wrigley Confectionery, AbbVie, Coca-Cola North America, Versalift, ZINKPOWER, and a host of smaller leading-edge manufacturers and suppliers.

More than 15,000 acres in 11 area business parks are available for manufacturing and related companies. See our Real Estate page for more information.

Manufacturing represents more than 13% of the Greater Waco economy – 1.5 times the State and National averages. As such, Greater Waco boasts a robust base of suppliers from machining, supply chain, packaging, recruiting to product development and design. Contact the Business Retention and Expansion team at the Chamber to connect to our robust manufacturing sector.

Waco is easily accessible to many major interstate highways, ports, and air cargo transport via IH 35 and Union Pacific/Burlington Northern Sante Fe rail networks including:

  • IH 10- 140 Miles

  • IH 20- 80 Miles

  • IH 45- 60 Miles

  • Port of Houston- 180 Miles

  • Waco Regional (ACT)- Local

  • TSTC Industrial Airport (KNW)- Local

  • Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)- 90 Miles

  • George Bush International Airport (IAH)- 190 Miles

Key Companies
Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Food Processing - 1,200 Employees

Wayne-Sanderson Farms, Inc.

Food Processing - 1,200 Employees

AbbVie

Pharmaceutical - 785 Employees

AbbVie

Pharmaceutical - 785 Employees

Mars Wrigley Confectionery

Food Processing - 700 Employees

Mars Wrigley Confectionery

Food Processing - 700 Employees

HelloBello

Diapers - 189 Employees

HelloBello

Diapers - 189 Employees

Cargill Value Added Meats

Food Processing - 646 Employees

Cargill Value Added Meats

Food Processing - 646 Employees

Versalift - A Time Manufacturing Company

Aerial Lifts - 518 Employees

Versalift - A Time Manufacturing Company

Aerial Lifts - 518 Employees

Howmet Fastening Systems

Fastening Systems - 490 Employees

Howmet Fastening Systems

Fastening Systems - 490 Employees

Pilgrims

Food Processing - 480 Employees

Pilgrims

Food Processing - 480 Employees

Coca-Cola Company

Beverage Manufacturing - 440 Employees

Coca-Cola Company

Beverage Manufacturing - 440 Employees

Contact for
Advanced Manufacturing
Kris Collins
Senior Vice President Economic Development
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Why should you locate in Waco?