Georgetown Set to Boost Manufacturing Sector with New $15 Million Facility

Georgetown Welcomes New Manufacturing Facility

Georgetown, Texas, is set to see significant growth in its manufacturing sector with the upcoming construction of a new facility. Ward and Burke Tunneling Inc., an international construction company based in Ireland, is planning to build a 180,000-square-foot manufacturing plant at 3600 I-35 North. Construction is scheduled to start in January 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Project Details and Economic Impact

The anticipated cost of this manufacturing facility is approximately $15 million, following an official filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on October 22. Once completed, the facility is expected to create job opportunities for more than 50 employees, including engineers, mechanics, electricians, and fabricators.

This new project follows the recent award of a $62 million contract to Ward and Burke for the Berry Creek Interceptor project in Georgetown. This undertaking will involve installing around 24,000 linear feet of wastewater pipes utilizing both open cut and trenchless micro-tunneling techniques, which minimize construction impacts on the community.

About Ward and Burke

Founded in 2001, Ward and Burke is a civil contractor specializing in underground infrastructure and has been involved in numerous large-scale projects. The company reported a revenue of approximately $442 million in 2022, marking a substantial increase of 60% compared to the previous year.

Director Colin Irwin noted that the new facility would support the manufacturing and maintenance of the company’s extensive plant and equipment fleet. “WBTI primarily utilizes specialty ‘microtunnel’ equipment to install this infrastructure by trenchless means, minimizing the impacts of construction on the community and general public,” Irwin explained.

Georgetown: A Growing Hub for Manufacturing

Georgetown has been experiencing rapid growth, being recognized as the fastest-growing city of its size for three consecutive years. With a population nearing 100,000, the city is becoming a vital hub for manufacturing in the region. Various manufacturing companies, including GAF Energy LLC, CelLink Corp., US Farathane Corp., Hanwha Advanced Materials LLC, Austin Cutlery & Tool LLC, and ZT Systems, have all recently moved to the area, contributing to the local economy.

Irwin expressed optimism about the ongoing growth in the region, stating, “Georgetown and the greater Austin area have seen tremendous growth over the past number of years, which has resulted in its towns and cities needing to install infrastructure to match the growth.” Ward and Burke is currently collaborating with several cities and developers in the greater Austin area to tackle major infrastructure needs, including the installation of sewer and water mains.

Future Prospects for Georgetown

With the upcoming construction of the Ward and Burke manufacturing facility, Georgetown is poised for further economic development. The new jobs and business opportunities expected from this project may help to strengthen the local community and enhance the city’s position as a key player in the manufacturing sector.

As Georgetown continues to grow, residents and local businesses alike can anticipate new opportunities on the horizon, thanks to significant investments like the Ward and Burke facility.