Target Industry Clusters

Across the diverse geography of Texas, our state specializes in its own unique array of advanced industries, where specific infrastructure and industry knowledge has developed and continues to evolve.

The industries across the Lone Star State allow companies and their workforce boundless opportunities for success. 

Advanced Manufacturing

The Lone Star State is a leader in the advanced technology and manufacturing sectors of the economy. Texas is home to all segments of this industry including, but not limited to: computer and electronic products; electrical equipment, appliance, and components; motor vehicles, bodies, trailers, and parts; food and beverage products; textile, apparel and leather products; petroleum, chemical and coal products.

Texas is no stranger to large corporations, especially those specializing in advanced technology and manufacturing. Texas Instruments, National Instruments, Samsung, GM, Toyota, Peterbilt, Raytheon, NXP, AMD, Applied Materials, Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Networks, Fujitsu, BAE Systems, and Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems are just some of the leading companies with headquarters or a significant presence in Texas.  

Logistically, the central location of Texas is unmatched, with a complete infrastructure, easily allowing companies to import and export products. We have multiple interstate highways, international airports, seaports, railways and international border crossings. With our excellent workforce, fair legal system, low taxes, and quality of life, it is no wonder so many domestic and international companies have chosen Texas as their home and the best place to do business.

Advanced manufacturing companies with a strong presence in Texas:

Advanced Manufacturing Infographic 

Aerospace, Aviation & Defense

Texas is one of the most important locations for the global aerospace and aviation industry in the nation. As home to two international airlines, two of the world’s busiest airports, 15 active military bases, and NASA’s world-famous Johnson Space Center, Texas is a key location for many of the largest global aerospace and aviation companies.

The broad range of aerospace activities in Texas includes fighter planes and helicopter assembly, navigation instrument development, advanced space-flight research, military pilot training and commercial space travel.

Geographically, this industry has a substantial presence in many regions of the state. In North Texas, the Dallas-Fort Worth region boasts the state’s largest concentration of aerospace manufacturing workers, as well as the headquarters of American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. San Antonio, sometimes referred to as “Military City, USA” is home to tens of thousands of U.S. Air Force personnel and is a major national hub for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO).

On the Gulf Coast, Houston is the legendary home to NASA mission control and dozens of related spaceflight contractor firms. Elsewhere in the state, one of the world’s largest helicopter repair facilities resides in Corpus Christi, while the cities of Amarillo, El Paso, Harlingen, McAllen, Waco and Wichita Falls all support manufacturing facilities for various Fortune 500 aerospace companies. Major Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) have locations in Texas providing sales and service for their general aviation (GA) and business aviation (BA) customers.

Aerospace, aviation and defense companies with a strong presence in Texas include:

Snapshot: Texas Aerospace, Aviation & Defense (pdf)

Visit the Aerospace and Aviation Advisory Committee page  ►

Biotechnology & Life Sciences

Home to thousands of life science and research firms, Texas is one of the leading life science states in the country. Top Fortune 500 companies such as Kimberly-Clark, McKesson and Celanese are based in Texas, while top global industry leaders such as Galderma, Novartis, Abbott, Allergan, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic, among others, have major operations in the state.

Texas’ highly trained workforce, top-tier research institutions and business-friendly climate strengthens the state’s status as a global life science industry leader. The Lone Star State is home to the world’s largest medical center, the Texas Medical Center (TMC), the world’s largest children’s hospital, the Texas Children’s Hospital, and the world’s largest cancer hospital, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Our state also has 13 medical universities and is continuing to expand its network with the upcoming addition of a new medical school at Sam Houston State University. In addition, the University of Texas Health Science Center announced plans for a new school in Tyler. The Dell Medical School at the University of Texas—Austin is the first MD-training institution in nearly 50 years to be built from the ground up at a top-tier U.S. research university.

Biotechnology and life sciences companies with a strong presence in Texas include:

Snapshot: Biotechnology & Life Sciences (pdf) 

Energy

Since the discovery of the Spindletop oilfield in 1901, Texas has been a leader in energy production. Today, Texas leads the nation in energy production and is set to become the energy capital of the world—of both traditional oil and gas as well as renewable energy. Texas’ geography and natural resources, excellent transportation systems, highly skilled labor force and leadership in environmental research give the state a significant energy advantage.

Texas leads the U.S. as the top producer of both crude oil and natural gas, with nearly 480,000 miles of pipelines running throughout the state. The state is home to one-fourth of the nation’s proved natural gas reserves and is #2 in total LNG exports. If Texas were a nation, it would be the fourth largest oil producer in the world.

The Lone Star State’s renewable energy potential is among the largest in the country, with abundant wind, solar, and biomass resources found across the state’s geographically diverse regions. In recent years, Texas has built upon its energy experience and trained workforce to take the lead in renewable energy production and services. As a result, Texas has become the top state in wind generation capacity and #2 in biodiesel production. We also produce more electricity than any other state, generating almost twice as much as the second highest-producing state. 

Top Texas companies in energy include:

Traditional Energy Infographic (png) 

Renewable Energy Infographic (png)  

Information Technology

The information and computer technology industry has been flourishing in Texas for years with companies such as Dell, Microsoft, Texas Instruments, HP Enterprise Services, VCE, Cisco and National Instruments.

The Lone Star State is not only the birthplace of the hand-held calculator, which was invented by Texas Instruments in 1967, but it is also home one of the largest technology companies—Dell, founded by Michael Dell when he was a student at The University of Texas.

The universities in Texas and other educational institutions are heavily invested in research and development. Rice University, Southern Methodist University, The University of Texas at San Antonio and The University of Texas at Austin all have degree programs that help enhance the workforce in Texas.

Information technology companies with a strong presence in Texas include:

Snapshot: Information Technology (pdf)

Petroleum Refining & Chemical Products

Texas leads the nation in petroleum refining and is a global leader in petrochemicals. This sector has long played a crucial role in Texas' economy by creating jobs and contributing to our state’s status as the #1 exporter in the U.S.

Texas refineries process almost 5.9 million barrels of crude oil per day, which is 31% of the nation's refining capacity. Because of the significant demand for workers in these areas, the sector employs thousands and creates high-paying jobs. In fact, the state is home to the world’s largest petrochemical cluster with nearly 75,000 people employed in the industry. The largest concentration of these workers is located in the energy capital of the world—Houston.

More than 50% of the total U.S. chemical production is produced and processed by Texas chemical manufacturers. Chemical companies supply products that are used to make pharmaceuticals, computers, transportation, infrastructure and other everyday items.

Top Texas companies in petroleum refining and chemical include: