TEXAS SNAPSHOT, SEPTEMBER 2010

Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls is seeing progress the likes of which many cities its size and larger are not experiencing. This region has successfully diversified its economy to include manufacturing, teleservices, government, medical services and regional retail activities in addition to the more typical North Texas industries of agriculture, oil and gas production.

In the past 10 months, Wichita Falls has completed 10 projects that will produce more than 2,000 jobs during the next 3 years. New arrivals are WDSGlobal, Natura World USA, Armor Controls and Latex International. Retained companies of note are Carter Aviation, MagicAire, Tryer, Wichita Clutch, BuyDentalEquipment.com and Excalibur Paint & Coatings.

Natura World USA acquired the former Delphi Automotive plant, a 478,000-square-foot facility on 100 acres, which will house its U.S. corporate headquarters and other operations. Most recently, Latex International announced it would be co-locating in a portion of this facility, consolidating two fabrication plants for an enhanced transportation strategy.

If all of these jobs were in place today, Wichita Falls’ unemployment rate would drop to almost the lowest in the state of Texas. A report produced by Midwestern State University last year showed Wichita Falls’ average income to be slightly below that of Austin’s, which means that the average income in the city has grown faster than virtually all other MSAs in the state.

While some economic indicators say growth occurs primarily in larger metropolitan areas, Wichita Falls is a thriving hub demonstrating similar results. With several more buildings in inventory, North Texas’ newest master-planned business park, appealing incentives and a supportive community, the Wichita Falls region will continue to grow and maximize its real estate for new business, inventive development and corporate relocation.

— Tim Chase is president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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