Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) disclosed Tuesday that it will construct a new advanced‑manufacturing complex on the former Brooks City Base site in San Antonio. The $200 million investment will create a 1‑million‑square‑foot production plant and is projected to support up to 3,000 new jobs by 2030.
Local workforce and infrastructure drive the decision
“IEM is excited to put down roots in San Antonio,” said IEM Chief Executive Officer Clayton Such in a news release. “The city’s skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and collaborative economic‑development environment made this a natural choice for our next phase of growth.”
The plant will employ workers across manufacturing, engineering, logistics and corporate support functions. IEM describes itself as North America’s largest independent full‑line manufacturer of electrical distribution and integrated control systems, with more than 75 years of experience.
State support and economic impact
Governor Greg Abbott’s office announced that Texas will provide more than $3 million in incentives to help create 448 of the new positions. “Texas leads America’s manufacturing resurgence,” Abbott said. “This investment by IEM in San Antonio will create new, good‑paying jobs and generate a significant economic impact for Bexar County.”
Greater:SATX, the regional economic‑development partnership, called the project the largest job‑producing investment in San Antonio in over two decades. President and CEO Sarah Carabias Rush said the investment “is a transformational investment and a testament to what can be accomplished when regional partners work together to compete and win.”
Local officials welcome the project
Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert praised the collaboration, noting that the project will expand opportunities for residents across the community. “I appreciate the work of the State of Texas, greater:SATX, and Brooks in advancing this opportunity and helping secure a project that will create jobs and expand opportunity for residents across our community,” Calvert said.
The new facility is expected to boost the local tax base, increase demand for housing, and spur ancillary businesses that support a growing manufacturing workforce. Community leaders anticipate that the plant will also provide apprenticeship and training opportunities for local schools and technical colleges.
What’s next for the site
Construction is slated to begin later this year, with the first phase of production expected to start in 2027. IEM plans to work closely with local education partners to develop pipelines that prepare San Antonio’s youth for skilled‑trade careers in advanced manufacturing.
As the project moves forward, city and county officials will continue to monitor its progress, ensuring that the promised jobs materialize and that the development aligns with broader economic‑development goals for the region.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
