_economicdevelopment

Waco Industrial Foundation

The Waco Industrial Foundation (WIF), a 501c6 nonprofit, has been an economic development driving force in Greater Waco for more than 70 years. WIF was established in 1952, at a time when the post-World War II economy was driving industrial growth in the south, and a vehicle was needed to acquire and prepare land, sites and infrastructure for companies considering the Waco area.

Since its inception, the Foundation has acquired and developed almost 6,000 acres of land in McLennan County for economic development purposes. Today, WIF’s assets include a portfolio of over 1,100 available acres, spanning multiple industrial parks and all supplied by commercial and industrial grade roads and utilities.

The Foundation is comprised of a Membership, a 24-member Board of Directors and a 7-member Executive Committee, while the Greater Waco Chamber provides staff and administrative resources. More than 50 local businesses are represented in the general membership, and all are volunteers committed to WIF’s mission of economic development and prosperity in Greater Waco.

Additional Information About the Waco Industrial Foundation:

  • Through sales and acquisitions, WIF maintains an inventory of sites for greenfield development
  • Land options for most commercial and industrial users are available, offering a combination of proximity to Interstate 35, mainline rail systems, local higher education and training institutions, industrial and/or commercial air services and more
  • WIF functions as a private landowner, and can offer creative, project-driven solutions to support most industry needs
  • Works closely with the Waco/McLennan County Economic Development Corporation (WMCEDC), which is comprised of a business representative as well as top City of Waco and McLennan County leadership

Industrial Parks

Texas Central Park totals ±3,700 acres of land in Southwest Waco, and it is home to more than 90 corporate tenants, 12+ million square feet of facilities and over 14,000 jobs. Within Texas Central Park are multiple business parks, including the Gateway Business Park and Professional Park. Approximately 250 acres of land are available, with lots ranging from 9 to 60+ acres.

Since 2020, there have been 19 major announcements in Texas Central Park, totaling over $2B in investment and 2,600+ jobs. Tenants include Amazon, Abbvie, Howmet Aerospace, Refresco, Mars Wrigley, Holt Manufacturing, Caterpillar Logistics, Graphic Packaging Int’l, Electrolit and many more.

Robinson Business Park is a 635-acre industrial park located on Interstate 35 at Highway 6 Loop 340. As the newest of the Waco Industrial Foundation’s industrial parks, the park is undergoing significant infrastructure expansions that include construction of John Bowden Parkway, water and wastewater, natural gas access and much more. Over 500 acres remain available within this flagship industrial park.

Two companies have announced within the park, including Walmart Manufacturing’s new milk processing and distribution facility as well as Metal Finishing Solution’s specialty metal coating operation for the electric vehicle industry.

Waco International Aviation Park began as an 1,100-acre industrial park located in Northeast Waco, adjacent to the Texas State Technical College’s Industrial Airport. Currently, ±250 acres are available within the park, where other tenants include Wayne Sanderson Farms, Sherwin Williams (distribution), AJ Nonwovens, Gateway Tire (Hesselbein), Dr. Pepper Keurig and Balcones.

The Park provides access to Highway 84 and proximity to both Loop 340 Highway 6 and Interstate 35. Industrial grade utilities are present, and plans for a future expansion of the wastewater system are also in place. Further, proximity to the very experienced training and talent resources of Texas State Technical College provides opportunities for creative workforce solutions.

There have been three announcements since 2020, generating $75MM+ in new capital investment and the creation of over 70 new jobs.

For more information about the Waco Industrial Foundation, these or other industrial parks, or project-related inquiries of any kind, please contact our team at (254) 757-5635.