Houston has a scored a major win in the global manufacturing and technology race. Apple announced plans to open an advanced manufacturing facility in the Houston region. Part of a $500 billion national investment, the new 250,000-square-foot facility will bring AI-driven manufacturing to Houston, reshoring critical operations from overseas.  The facility, set to open in 2026, will focus on the production of servers that support Apple Intelligence, the tech giant’s AI software system. By relocating this key manufacturing process from abroad to the U.S., Apple is making a strong statement about Houston's role in the future of American high-tech manufacturing.  A Booming Manufacturing Hub  According to the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston is home to over 7,000 manufacturers, producing more than $75.1 billion in goods annually. Houston ranks as the second top U.S. metro for manufacturing GDP, solidifying its reputation as a leader in industrial production.  “This is a testament to our region’s business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, strategic global positioning, and proven ability to attract world-class companies,” said Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean. “As U.S. companies continue to onshore their manufacturing operations, we are bullish on Houston’s ability to win big.”  Economic Impact and Growth Potential  Apple’s decision to expand in Houston is expected to have a ripple effect throughout the local economy. While some details of the project remain confidential, Apple said in a press release the Houston facility "will create thousands of jobs." Additionally, the facility will support local suppliers and drive further investment in AI-driven manufacturing.  Building Strategic Partnerships  The Apple announcement is an expansion of a multi-building manufacturing complex managed by Foxconn in northwest Harris County, which produces high-tech components for numerous global technology companies, including Apple. Foxconn’s parent company, Taiwan-based Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., announced in November that it was expanding its Houston presence by acquiring land and a facility to enhance its artificial intelligence server production in the U.S. That specific expansion project is expected to create 300 jobs with $225 million in capital investment.  The Partnership has been cultivating a relationship with Foxconn over the past several years. This includes an in-person visit with the company in Taiwan during last year’s economic development mission with Governor Greg Abbott. This type of strategic relationship-building continues to be a key driver in attracting world-class companies to the region.  As more companies seek to strengthen their supply chains and expand AI-driven production, Houston is poised to lead the next wave of industrial innovation.   Learn more about Houston’s manufacturing industry. 

[PRESS RELEASE Provided by United Imaging] January 9, 2025 -- United Imaging, a global leader in advanced medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment, has signed on for additional production and office space in greater Houston. The new space in Pearland, Texas will more than triple the total size of the company's current manufacturing square footage that's now at their North American headquarters on Kirby Drive. It was only just over four years ago that the company opened that current production facility.    United Imaging has been steadily increasing U.S. production since then, with products in all four imaging modalities it currently sells achieving local production in Texas over the last four years. All critical spare parts are already stored in Houston and in stocking locations across the country.  "With the steadily spiking demand and manufacturing capacity also has come an increase in hiring" said Jeffrey M. Bundy, PhD, CEO of United Imaging Healthcare North America. Since 2021, U.S. headcount growth has averaged 60% annually.  The proximity to Houston's ports provides strategic opportunity the global company has been investing in for years, with increasing operations in South America and across the world. United imaging also announced recently its first product registrations in Canada. It has installations in 75+ countries worldwide since 2011, and earlier this summer announced its 30,000th unit installed globally, which was in the U.S.  At United Imaging, we develop and manufacture advanced medical products, digital healthcare solutions, and intelligent solutions that cover the entire process of imaging diagnosis and treatment. Founded in 2011, our company has subsidiaries and R&D centers across the world. Our North American headquarters in Houston includes our corporate offices, factory, product showroom, service training center, and service parts distribution center. With a cutting-edge digital portfolio and a mission of Equal Healthcare for All™, we help drive industry progress and bold change. To learn more, visit united-imaging.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @UnitedImagingHC.