Odessa’s strategic advantages provide safety and security from economic, natural events

Safety and security are primary concerns for business continuity. Odessa, Texas presents a strong argument for launching or relocating in the Permian Basin for long-term success. 

Choosing a strategic location to protect business operations requires assessing the presence of many factors. Odessa features many unique advantages for companies, including minimal exposure to extreme weather events. Economic security is provided via a diverse local economy deeply rooted in traditional energy sources with ever-growing renewable capacity. When coupled with well-developed infrastructure in a connected location, choosing Odessa makes financial and logistical sense. 

Absence of major weather threats secures operations

Extreme weather events, from hurricanes to extreme cold, can cripple local economies for several days or weeks each year. Beyond the direct impact of lost productivity due to commuting issues or infrastructure challenges, other costs like increased insurance premiums and repairs quickly add up and present ongoing challenges in coastal metros. For manufacturers and other enterprises requiring consistent operations, Odessa’s geographic and climate advantages are a safe haven. 

With its position in the Permian Basin of West Texas, Odessa enjoys a semi-arid desert climate with mild, dry winters and hot, sunny summers. An average of 300 sunny days each year complement local solar energy production while frequent high winds power turbines. These renewable energy options diversify the Texas energy economy and Odessa’s economy. Odessa also retains its status as a domestic oil-producing giant, lending stability to the grid and providing local businesses with an extremely reliable energy environment.

Geographically, the city’s position limits exposure to tropical weather events with FEMA designating the city and surrounding counties as very low risk. Decreased risk can contribute to lower fixed costs for businesses located in Odessa and stabilize production when other cities in the state or nation face weather-related challenges.

Geographic location enhances security

Odessa’s West Texas location offers protection from more than storms. For companies managing proprietary systems, sensitive intellectual property or high-value goods, Odessa’s strategic seclusion reduces exposure and can support a company culture of confidentiality.
“You can make anything work in Odessa,” Brandon Callendar, COO of Orrex Plastics, said. “We are unique in Odessa since we are not oil and gas production. Everyone who works here is homegrown. We don’t recruit from polymer science colleges. We hire and train our 151 employees. They all come here without experience, and we train them so they don’t know about plastics outside our company. We have top-notch security, and our clients know that their proprietary technology is safe with us, in part, because of our geographic isolation.”

Robust infrastructure investments meet current and future demands

Odessa combines the strategic privacy of West Texas with impressive logistical accessibility. Union Pacific rail access connects manufacturers with coast-to-coast distribution options. Highway connectivity is also a significant asset for Odessa, and increased infrastructure investments from the Texas Department of Transportation are improving access and adding capacity. The DOT’s latest 10-year plan included $4.5 billion in awards – a tally pointing to significant growth and on par with investments in Fort Worth.
Interstate 20 is immediately accessible in Odessa. The east-west route solidifies the supply and distribution chain through major cities in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina. It offers access to state and federal highways to California, Mexico and northern cities. Approximately 75 minutes from Odessa, Interstate 10 access enhances east-west distribution options and connections to South Texas markets.

When business continuity is a primary concern, Odessa delivers safety and security for new and expanding enterprises with consistency, resiliency, and room to grow. 

Contact Odessa Development Corporation today to learn more about the opportunities in Odessa.