Houston is, and always has been, a city that builds. From the oil rigs that powered the 20th century to the rockets that carried us to the moon, this region has built its reputation on the ability to engineer, innovate and scale at every level of industry. 

Tech manufacturing has always been a part of that story. Before Silicon Valley became synonymous with the tech boom, there was Compaq. In the 1980s and ’90s, the Houston-based company helped revolutionize personal computing, turning the region into a hub for high-tech production long before it became a national trend.  

Hewlett-Packard and Texas Instruments also maintained a significant presence in the region during that era. But as manufacturing policies and global economic dynamics shifted production overseas, Houston’s momentum in tech manufacturing slowed. 

Now, as the global manufacturing landscape shifts toward advanced technologies like AI systems, robotics, energy storage and digital infrastructure, some of the world’s most prominent names in tech are turning their attention back to Houston. 

Want to learn more about Houston’s advanced manufacturing industry? Connect with the Partnership’s Sr. Director of Economic Development, Valerie Mathieu.  

Strategic Investments 

Earlier this year, Apple announced it would build a 250,000-square-foot AI-driven manufacturing facility in northwest Harris County, bringing advanced server production for its Apple Intelligence platform back to U.S. soil. The announcement is an expansion of a multi-building complex operated by Foxconn, which supplies high-tech components for global tech firms. 

Nvidia, a global leader in AI computing, also recently announced plans to reshore production of its AI supercomputers to the U.S., with a new manufacturing facility in Houston in partnership with Foxconn. These high-performance systems are essential for powering the next generation of data centers. 

“Nvidia’s announcement reinforces a growing trend—global companies are choosing Houston for advanced manufacturing," said Craig Rhodes, Greater Houston Partnership’s SVP of Economic Development, in a statement. “Our region has the key ingredients—a highly skilled and diverse workforce, robust infrastructure, and deep industry expertise—to scale complex projects. As demand for AI and digital technologies grows, Houston is where companies come to build the future.” 

Why Houston, Why Now? 

As global companies re-evaluate supply chains, the question isn’t just where to build – but where to build smart. Houston offers the full package: scalable infrastructure, a strong supply chain ecosystem and a skilled workforce ready for next-gen production. 

With nearly 240,000 manufacturing workers, Houston has one of the most diverse and capable labor pools in the nation – strengthened by industry-aligned training programs at local collages and new outcomes-based funding under Texas House Bill 8.  

Innovation hubs, like The Ion District, accelerate the pace from idea to market, while Houston’s logistics network – home to the nation’s busiest port for foreign tonnage and two international airports – ensure global connectivity. 

Add pro-business policies, available land and lower costs than coastal hubs, and Houston stands out as one of the fastest, smartest places to grow. 

Leading the Future 

The latest wave of investments from Apple and NVIDIA aren’t just one-off wins; they’re a bold statement of confidence in Houston’s ability to deliver the talent, infrastructure and innovation needed to lead the next era of high-tech manufacturing.