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.  

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.