At a September 1 work session, the Fort Worth City Council heard a presentation from the Economic Development Department on a proposed manufacturing hub from Harting Connectivity, a German‑based industrial‑connector maker headquartered in Elgin, Illinois. The council is being asked to approve a 10‑year tax abatement that could reduce the company’s incremental real‑property and business‑personal‑property taxes by as much as 65%, a relief valued at roughly $6 million.
What the deal entails
In exchange for the tax incentive, Harting would commit to a minimum capital investment of $192.7 million. The company plans to spend $31.1 million on construction of three new buildings at the Carter Crossing industrial park on Interstate 20 and Wichita Street, with the remainder allocated to equipment and outfitting through 2031. By the end of 2028, the plant should be operational.
The firm pledges to hire 701 new employees by the end of 2034, offering an average wage of $87,000. Additionally, 189 corporate and technical positions tied to a potential headquarters relocation would average salaries above $125,000. Harting also promises to source 30% of construction costs from small, locally‑owned businesses, further supporting Fort Worth’s entrepreneurial base.
Local impact and strategic benefits
Assistant Economic Development Director Brianna Brown highlighted several ways the plant could strengthen the city’s economy. The new facility would bolster supply‑chain links for existing Fort Worth manufacturers such as Siemens and TTI, and it would shift roughly $900 million in goods that would otherwise be imported overseas into domestic production.
Harting’s expansion also includes an upgrade to its research and development capabilities, bringing high‑tech manufacturing and innovation that currently reside in Europe. This aligns with the city’s broader goal of positioning Fort Worth as a hub for advanced industrial technology.
Competition and next steps
Fort Worth is not the only location courting Harting. Several other states are offering larger incentive packages, and Brown acknowledged that “several states are providing higher incentives that the city is currently recommending.” The council’s decision will hinge on whether the proposed abatement can compete with those offers while still delivering the promised jobs and economic benefits.
The council is slated to vote on the Harting incentive package at its September 29 meeting. The outcome will be closely watched, as the city is also preparing to consider a separate $10.9 million tax abatement for a Carrier Corp. manufacturing project that could create nearly 500 jobs.
Why this matters to Fort Worth families
High‑paying, stable employment opportunities are a cornerstone of strong neighborhoods. By attracting a manufacturer that promises well‑compensated technical and corporate roles, the city aims to provide families with career pathways that support both financial security and community stability. The emphasis on small‑business participation also ensures that local entrepreneurs can share in the growth.
Residents will have a chance to voice their support or concerns at the upcoming council meeting, a reminder that civic engagement remains vital to shaping the economic future of our city.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
