North Texas has landed another headquarters relocation from the West Coast.
After first approaching the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation to discuss the move last October, California-based Integrated Defense Products (IDP), a family-owned specialty manufacturer of parts for the defense, firearm, aerospace, and medical industries, announced plans to relocate its headquarters to the city’s Rockwall Technology Park.
“I’m confident that not only will the company benefit our local economy by expanding the tax base and creating jobs, the leadership at IDP will become familiar faces in the community,” Rockwall EDC president Phil Wagner said in a statement.
IDP to bring $7M in taxable value to Rockwall
In addition to offices, the 21,000 square-foot facility will include “considerable space” for IDP’s CNC milling and turning machines, along with areas for operations like shipping and receiving, assembly, and quality control.
IDP says it has committed to adding at least $7 million in new taxable value to Rockwall, largely through the new facility and taxable equipment within it.
To staff the new facility, which is expected to be complete by next spring, IDP aims to employ 40 workers—with 25 to 30 coming from the local talent pool. The company has 12 employees relocating to the region, including President Brandon Buschold, The Dallas Morning New reports. IDP said by getting involved in local trade programs, it hopes to train the next generation of workers in the manufacturing, engineering, and production fields.
“It’s imperative that we always keep an eye on the future. Without any real focus on our youth, there will be a lack of innovation—and ultimately, no torch to pass on,” Buschold said.
Talent, taxes, and trade programs a draw for IDP
Buschold citied the local workforce as one of the draws for IDP’s relocation to the region, in addition to things like ongoing trade programs, he cited a “reasonable” cost of living, lower taxes, and a “business-friendly” environment.”
IDP joins Canadian chocolate maker Chewters Chocolates in recently announcing plans to place a footprint in Rockwall. In late July, the maker of organic, low-sugar treats announced plans to invest $40 million to develop a 189,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Rockwall Technology Park—a move that’s expected to create 120 jobs.
“Exceptional companies are flocking to the Lone Star State because of our world-class business climate and unmatched, highly skilled, diverse workforce,” Governor Greg Abbott said when Chewters made its announcement.
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R E A D N E X T
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Vancouver-based Chewters Chocolates—a maker of organic, low-sugar treats best known for its brand ChocXO—has selected Rockwall Technology Park for the site of its new 189,000-SF facility. Four "state-of-the-art" advanced production lines will pump out chocolate treats, creating 120 jobs. A glass viewing wall will give locals a sweet peek at how the candy is made. Currently under design, the plant should be operational by the beginning of 2024, Chewters says.
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