Temple’s expertise in metal fabrication has a long and storied past dating back to its roots in frame manufacturing for the furniture industry.
For decades, native companies like PSI, Artcobell and Mooreco have been building finely crafted products for residential life, school and the healthcare industry.
Since then, other companies have relocated their manufacturing operations to Temple, building on the area’s expertise in precision products. The evolution has allowed for innovation in parts manufacturing for the auto, aerospace, energy and medical device industries.
Industry Presence in Temple
Temple is home to a diverse range of metal fabrication suppliers. The city provides businesses with the support and resources they need at every stage of their product’s development. Currently, there are over 40 metal fabrication companies in the region, including Texas Hydraulics, Temple Machine Shop and Lock Joint Tube.
Temple’s metal fabrication sector include a diverse mix of company operations and products including centrifugal castings, equipment components, building and architectural materials, and precision machined parts.
Why Temple?
Apart from Temple’s cutting-edge innovations in the metal fabrication industry, the city offers businesses an array of additional benefits.
Workforce
Between 2014 and 2019, Temple saw a 7% population increase, and in 2020, the manufacturing industry supported the third highest number of jobs in Temple. With a strong talent pipeline of college graduates, vocationally trained specialists and military veterans from nearby US Army Base Fort Hood, the city is well-positioned to meet industry hiring needs.
Temple’s workforce is skilled in the operation of highly sophisticated equipment, including CNC machinery. Temple High School offers a metal manufacturing program that leads to Certifications for Welding, Machining and OSHA. Eight local colleges and universities offer certificate programs, associates, bachelors and graduate degrees in engineering, management, logistics and other manufacturing focused academic programs.
Accessibility
Temple is a very interconnected city with Interstates 35 and 14, BNSF and Union Pacific railroads, a shortline railroad for local freight movement, two regional airports and easy access to the Port of Houston and 80% of Texas’ population. Dallas, Austin, Houston and San Antonio are all within a three-hour drive of Temple.
This network also provides producers with easy access to North American markets. Suppliers and manufacturers can all rest assured that their needs for raw materials will be served by cost effective regional suppliers.
Business Friendly Environment
In addition to having one of the lowest state taxes, Temple offers a low cost of doing business — and a cost of living 20.1% below the national average, according to the 2021 BestPlaces Cost of Living Index.
Temple has a number of sites and buildings that can serve the metal fabrication industry. The community has invested in developing more than 1,000 acres of business park sites. The properties are fully served with industrial level utilities in a variety of sizes and amenities including rail-served sites.
Accolades
In recent years, Temple has been awarded numerous accolades that contribute to high quality of life for residents and workers. Among these are rankings on lists of NerdWallet’s “Best Places to Start a Business in Texas” (eight); SmartAsset’s “Best American Cities to Work in Tech” (10); Niche’s “Best Counties for Young Professionals in Texas” (11); CBS News’ “Cheapest Places to Live in the U.S.” (six); and Chief Executives “Best States for Business,” in which Texas has ranked first place for 16 consecutive years.
In early 2021, Texas was awarded the Governor’s Cup for the ninth consecutive year, highlighting the state for its job creation and capital investments. Temple has contributed to the success of Texas with new business investments and stands ready to partner with the industry for new competitive metal product operations.
Get in touch with our team to see how Temple’s expertise in the metal fabrication industry can help grow your business.