COSTEP and UTRGV Showcase South Texas Manufacturing Potential

Edinburg, Texas — South Texas presented its case for manufacturing investment during a gathering at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley that connected visiting companies with regional economic development leaders, manufacturers, and university representatives. Discussions focused on helping businesses establish operations, develop their workforce,and capitalize on the manufacturing relationship between Texas and Mexico.

The event combined practical guidance on business expansion with a regional perspective on industrial growth. According to Adam Gonzalez, CEO of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP),visiting companies included businesses primarily involved in aerospace that were exploring expansion opportunities.

“The idea here was telling them how we could help their companies either establish here, relocate here, or expand herein the region,” Gonzalez said.

He explained that COSTEP’s presentation covered the seven-county Rio South Texas region, connecting prospective investors with local economic development organizations and the university system.

The gathering included representatives whose work spans manufacturing, investment, logistics, energy, and research:

•          Adam Gonzalez,CEO of COSTEP.

•          Dr. Mostafa Malki,associate director of UTRGV’s Insitute for Advanced Manufacturing.

•          Raudel Garza,executive director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.

•          Miguel Pereira,director of business development for the Port of Harlingen.

•          Rolando A. Gonzalez, a manufacturing business owner whose companies include Gobar Systems.

•          TonyTaylor, chief operating officer of Visible Solar.

•          VictorPerez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharr EDC

•          RalphGarcia, COO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation

•          RickCarrera, Director of Economic Development for COSTEP

•          StevenValdez, President of the Weslaco EDC

•          LuisCantu, Owner at LPS International P.C.

•          FranciscoJ. Peña-Valdés, founder and managing principal of IBC International Business Consultants.

Across the two panel discussions, participants examined how South Texas can turn investment interest into operating businesses and long-term employment. Economic development representatives discussed workforce partnerships, business incubation, access to facilities, and connections to resources that help companies enter the market and grow.

The conversation emphasized the importance of working with universities and colleges to prepare employees for specific industry needs.Participants also described how support for an initial operation—including access to space, equipment, training, and business relationships—can help a company develop customers and eventually expand into its own facility.

Infrastructure was another consideration. Discussion addressed electricity capacity and the coordination required to support future industrial demand. For manufacturers evaluating a location, these operational questions are central to determining whether a community can accommodate both an initial investment and subsequent expansion.

A separate discussion examined the Texas–Mexico manufacturing relationship and the continued relevance of the twin-plant model, in which companies coordinate complementary operations on both sides of the border. Panelists explored different approaches to establishing production, including contract manufacturing, shelter arrangements, and company-owned facilities.

The emphasis was on evaluating each business individually.Manufacturing processes, transportation requirements, energy needs, and trade obligations can influence which activities a company locates in Texas and which it carries out in Mexico.

For South Texas, that discussion highlighted an opportunity to attract production and supporting operations close to established Mexican manufacturing centers. Keeping connected activities near one another can help companies coordinate suppliers, manage inventory, and respond to customers with demanding delivery schedules.

In his interview, Pereira emphasized the importance of efficient border crossings and transportation connections to manufacturers operating on just-in-time schedules. His comments reinforced a practical point:regional competitiveness depends on how reliably companies can move materials and finished products.

Rolando A. Gonzalez also emphasized the value of bringing businesses together across the Valley. He described the gathering as an opportunity to learn about emerging technologies, meet others in the industry,and connect government, education, and private enterprise around shared challenges.

Together, the discussions presented South Texas as a region with multiple ways to support manufacturing growth: industrial experience, university partnerships, business development assistance, and close connections with Mexico. By strengthening those relationships and preparing for the needs of incoming companies, the region can position itself for more production, stronger local supply chains, and skilled career opportunities for its residents.