Odessa’s Advantages Deliver Manufacturing Success

Odessa’s Advantages Deliver Manufacturing Success Main Photo

30 Jan 2025


News

Built-in customer base, distribution infrastructure and cost-saving incentives tailor-made for various industry companies

As a leading global provider of oil and gas, Odessa, Texas, is now poised to become a manufacturing boomtown. Numerous advantages derived from the region’s historical expertise have fostered a perfect manufacturing environment for new, expanding, and relocating companies across multiple sectors.

Odessa has a skilled workforce with a talent base developed from the region’s proven manufacturing, energy and logistics experience,” said Tom Manskey, Economic Development Director for the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. “Together, Odessa's supportive business environment, educational institutions and employees have really come together to work toward furthering the region’s continued economic development.”

Vast manufacturing potential

Odessa’s ultimate attraction is its rich history serving the energy sector, which has led to skyrocketing demand for manufacturing operations and suppliers.

Texas leads the country in wind and overall energy production and is a top solar energy generator. Odessa and the Permian Basin have a reputation for powering the United States and fostering the nation’s energy independence. The region's inherent natural advantages offer the potential to continue that momentum in renewable energy. One example is the world’s largest direct air carbon capture plant, a project of Oxy, located only 20 miles outside Odessa. 

As a result, the demand for the necessary components to produce renewable energy is increasing significantly. Today, most parts needed for generating and storing renewable energy come from foreign countries. With new import tariffs on the horizon in 2025, manufacturers able to meet the demands of providing new components and replacement parts to fuel renewable energy will find Odessa a perfect operation hub to supply the customer base in Texas and nationwide. Domestic manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbine components and the creation of local storage facilities help protect profits from the added costs associated with tariffs. It also provides greater intellectual property protection and further stabilizes the energy grid by minimizing the impact of foreign providers on the supply chain.

Opportunities in Odessa also abound in other manufacturing arenas. Advanced manufacturing of motors, specialty equipment, and smaller components is a perfect fit for Odessa. Medical manufacturing is growing, as Odessa’s status as a healthcare center for surrounding communities has resulted in the need to create and implement new medical technologies and resources. These industries widely depend on construction services to create the plants and buildings from which they can operate.

Odessa’s inherent advantages

Rail, roads, and air simplify access and distribution

Odessa’s west Texas location makes it convenient for manufacturers to serve the booming Texas economy, the United States and the globe. Interstate 20, a major east-west artery, connects to Interstate 10 near Odessa, simplifying coast-to-coast transport. For larger manifests, east-west Union Pacific rail traffic and close connections to north-south transit routes streamline operations. Easy access to Midland International Air and Space Port further diversifies domestic shipping and export options for manufacturers of all types.

Skilled local workforce meets diverse needs

Historical experience in energy and manufacturing has created a diverse, skilled workforce in Odessa. Regional higher education institutions, including Odessa CollegeThe University of Texas of the Permian Basin, and the Texas Tech Health Services Center,  are dedicated to graduating more skilled workers ready to meet the needs of new and existing manufacturers. As new industries emerge in Odessa, local technical campuses can quickly adapt curriculum and degree programs to ensure businesses have the talent to grow and succeed.

Business-friendly environment 

Manufacturers in Odessa have access to a constant supply of oil, gas, and petroleum products while also benefitting from the massive growth in renewable energy. Odessa is a business-friendly city with 24/7 manufacturing support. Odessa is ready to recruit new and relocating businesses in advanced manufacturing, medical manufacturing, renewable energy, and construction. Economic development incentives are available from Odessa Development Corporation

Job creation and capital investment grants can be stacked with other incentives to fund land, buildings, equipment, facilities expenditures and more for expanding businesses and relocating manufacturers. Existing industrial buildings and shovel-ready commercial lots meet the needs of small businesses and large enterprises. 

An enviable combination of advantages has primed Odessa for manufacturing success. Learn more about how your manufacturing operation can benefit from relocation or expansion in Odessa, and contact Odessa Development Corporation today.