Ever since its founding as a railroad city in the late 19th century, Temple has been driving the logistics industry forward with available land and access to talent. From distributors like McLane and Performance Food Group to retailers like H-E-B and Walmart, Temple companies have enjoyed seamless access to national and international markets for decades.
The rising demand for e-commerce is disrupting the way businesses work, increasing the need for more robust logistics solutions. Here are some of the top reasons Temple has come to be called the logistics hub of Central Texas.
Central to everywhere and everyone
The Temple-Killeen MSA has a population of more than 450,000, with more than a million living within a 60-minute drive. Temple is also connected to 80% of Texas’ population under 170 miles, including the populations of major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. More than $750 billion in goods are transported annually throughout the U.S. via the I-35 corridor and Temple is one of the first cities along the highway, providing businesses with critical access to key markets.
Temple also has the location and infrastructure to connect businesses to the rest of the globe. The city is less than two hours away from two international airports and only three hours from the Port of Houston – one of the world’s most traffic-heavy ports. A short line railroad and several freight hauling companies provide additional support to local companies and distributors.
The logical choice for talent
Temple’s skilled workforce of 6,500 distribution and logistics employees makes it a hub for supply chain talent. Between 2010-2020, industry employment increased by 14.3%, and a steady flow of soldiers transitioning out of nearby Fort Hood continues to bolster the growth of the industry. Many of these service members remain in the Temple-Killeen MSA, finding quality opportunities in logistics through programs like McLane Company’s Warriors to Wheels.
Hands-on training is tantamount in Temple, with higher education and continuing education institutions providing career education in the logistics & distribution industry. Temple College offers advanced Freight Broker/Agent Training and Commercial Driver’s License Training, and Texas State Technical College offers similar courses in professional driving.
Expanding into new territory
From companies specializing in logistics to supply chain businesses, Temple simplifies the process of tapping into domestic and global markets. In 2022, Fed Ex Ground announced it would open a new distribution center in Temple by the end of 2022. The new 250,000 square foot facility will benefit the local community with jobs and increased delivery capabilities, located within Temple’s Industrial Park.
A $34 million, 70,000 square foot expansion in 2019 allowed Cargill to increase its manufacturing, packaging, warehousing and shipping capabilities for its Animal Nutrition & Health business. Keg 1 O’Neal made an $11 million investment the same year, creating 50 new jobs and nearly doubling the company’s workforce here in Temple.
Grocery food distributor H-E-B increased the footprint of its Temple facility in 2020, expanding from 800,000 to over a million square feet. In 2022, the company announced a second expansion of an additional 325,000 square feet and 100 new jobs. The growing facility and Temple’s central positioning in Texas has strengthened the company’s ability to support more than 100 H-E-B retail stores across the region.
More than 147 acres of land are readymade for business in Temple — complete with water, sewer, road and railroad access. The city’s competitive real estate costs and shovel-ready sites are ideal for any company with industrial operations.
Temple is renowned for its ability to transport products with efficiency. Learn more the logistics industry in Temple and get in touch with our team to see how your company can benefit by expanding or relocating to the city.