Temple EDC, a leading economic development corporation, has identified why Central Texas has become an ideal location for transportation, distribution, and logistics companies to grow and succeed. With multimodal transportation, abundant warehouse space, and a skilled workforce, Temple has become a top location for businesses looking to connect to their supply chains. In this article, we will delve into the five key reasons why Central Texas has grown into a booming transportation, distribution, and logistics hub.
Proximity to Major Cities
Being located halfway between Austin and Dallas gives logistics and distribution companies easy access to these and other major Texas metros. Additionally, U.S. Highway 90 provides access to southern states like Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi, while Interstate 35 makes Temple a hub for businesses interested in reaching major markets in midwestern states. This corridor sees more than $750 billion in goods travel throughout the U.S. annually.
Infrastructure
Central Texas has become a hub for logistics and distribution companies in need of multimodal transportation. Temple offers many rail lines including Union Pacific and BNSF, two of the leading freight-hauling railroads in the nation. The city is also less than two hours from Austin-Bergstrom International and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, which offers 22 cargo airlines and worldwide freight services. Regionally, Draughon-Miller Airport has one of the top inspection ratings within the state of Texas and provides additional support for the city’s business and freight transportation needs.
Warehouse Space
Several sites are available in Temple that offer unique advantages to logistics and distribution companies of any size. Temple Industrial Park provides 147 acres of shovel-ready land that is supplied by roads, sewers, and railroad access. Additionally, the Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport has adjacent sites that are zoned for commercial operations. In total, Temple, TX, has over 1,600 acres of shovel-ready land available for business development.
Growing Economy
Temple is home to a variety of manufacturers across a range of industries, including Wilsonart, a manufacturer of high-pressure laminates and solid surface products, and McLane Company, a leading distributor of food products. In June 2022, H-E-B announced its plans to expand its Temple distribution center by 325,000 square-feet. Just two years earlier, the company had expanded the facility’s footprint from 800,000 to over a million square feet.
Skilled Workforce
Temple is home to a well-fed pipeline of skilled talent, bolstered by more than 3,600 soldiers that transition out of nearby Fort Hood every year. Additionally, colleges in the region work to fill the needs of local employers through programs like Texas State Technical College’s Professional Driving Academy, Temple College’s CDL program, and Freight Broker/Agent Training.
With over 300 logistics and distribution establishments, strong market access, and abundant talent, Temple has become an ideal location for businesses looking to grow and succeed. By providing access to resources such as infrastructure, workforce development programs, and affordable real estate options, Temple EDC is dedicated to creating an environment that is conducive to business development and expansion.
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Central Texas Reporter 