Harlingen, Texas strengthens industrial attraction and binational ties at the North America Manufacturing Expo & Summit

With the goal of strengthening ties with the manufacturing industry in Mexico and the United States, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) participated in the North America Manufacturing Expo & Summit, where it promoted its competitive advantages to attract new investment.

During her participation, Jane Lozano, Business Retention and Expansion Manager, highlighted that events like this are key to building relationships with manufacturers and opening opportunities for binational collaboration.

“It is important to be here to connect with manufacturers from both Mexico and the United States, communicate our strengths, and begin building relationships that translate into growth,” she said.

Lozano emphasized that Harlingen holds a strategic location within the Rio Grande Valley, with access to key logistics infrastructure such as the Los Indios International Bridge, rail networks, airports, the Port of Harlingen, and proximity to the Port of Brownsville—factors that facilitate manufacturing and distribution operations.

Currently, the region is home to more than 23 manufacturing companies and maintains a strategy focused not only on attracting investment, but also on building long-term relationships with industry partners.

“We focus on developing strong relationships with companies, providing them with the resources they need to grow and expand their operations,” she explained.

In terms of priority sectors, Harlingen is targeting companies in the automotive industry, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, as well as distribution and warehousing, leveraging its connectivity and industrial ecosystem.

As part of its growth strategy, the city is promoting the development of new industrial spaces, including the Roosevelt Industrial Park, while strengthening its existing industrial park—where nearly 80% of companies are currently located—as well as advancing its aerotropolis project. This initiative is aimed at attracting aerospace investment, particularly due to its proximity to SpaceX and its supply chain.

In this context, Lozano confirmed growing interest from suppliers linked to the space industry, who see Harlingen as an opportunity to expand operations amid the region’s dynamic growth.

Additionally, she highlighted support programs such as AIM Harlingen, focused on strengthening manufacturers through co-investment schemes for specialized consulting in coordination with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC), as well as monthly working sessions with institutions such as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), aimed at advancing workforce development and training.

As part of the conference agenda at the North America Manufacturing Expo & Summit, Harlingen EDC had a dedicated space to showcase the city’s competitive advantages, location, and benefits for manufacturing companies.

Harlingen EDC’s participation in this forum reinforces the role of the Rio Grande Valley as a strategic region in the integration of North American supply chains, particularly in a context of industrial relocation and growing binational trade.