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New Braunfels, Texas
A well-trained workforce and great proximity to Toyota
The new Central Texas Technology Center is the central Texas area’s first higher education facility dedicated to technology. The 25,000 square-foot Center provides college-level courses and technical training to the regional workforce.
In the heart of Texas’ beautiful Hill Country and only 45 minutes from Toyota’s new San Antonio plant is New Braunfels. This tranquil, friendly “edge city” (peripheral to the major urban center of San Antonio) is prepared and well positioned to satisfy the needs of automotive suppliers. Businesses that locate here can take advantage of lower costs and superb quality of life of a small town, while enjoying easy access to the major metros of San Antonio and Austin.
One strong advantage that New Braunfels offers is access to key transportation arteries. The community is located directly on I-35, the NAFTA highway and connection from Mexico to Canada. Also, it is only 10 minutes from I-10, the California-Florida connector. For air transportation, the convenient, easy-to-access New Braunfels airport is ideal for landing cargo planes or even the largest corporate jets.
New Braunfels’ leaders are progressive and pro-business. At the city and county levels, administrators work well with companies by offering comprehensive incentives. In addition, the City of New Braunfels utilizes a half-cent sales tax for economic development. A City Council-appointed corporation sees that these funds are utilized for infrastructure needs, training, and for grants and low-interest loans for qualified businesses looking to expand or relocate to New Braunfels. City and county taxes are among the lowest in the state.
With a spirit of cooperation, New Braunfels officials are particularly sensitive to companies that need to move quickly. Not only is fast track permitting available to new industries, but the community also offers ready-to-occupy space for manufacturing, warehouse and distribution.
In addition to an exceptional business climate, New Braunfels also offers a well-trained workforce for automotive. To quickly and strategically increase this labor pool, the community has constructed a brand new technical training center, which opened in spring 2004. The Central Texas Technology Center offers customized training for area businesses and enables all citizens in New Braunfels to upgrade their skills. Created by a public-private partnership and owned by the City of New Braunfels, classes include diverse emphases such as automotive technology and welding.
The German character of the community overflows with old world heritage and small-town charm. A stroll in the city takes you to museums, historic districts and performing-arts venues. You can even enjoy family fun at the 65-acre “Schlitterbahn,” the country’s top water park or experience the nationally registered Historic District of Gruene featuring wine tasting, shopping and dining. The abundant natural resources also add to New Braunfels’ livability. Against the backdrop of the scenic Texas Hill Country, the area is home to the state’s largest springs, largest caverns, and two vibrant rivers.
Today’s New Braunfels is a community on the leading edge of change, growth and progress. Much like the original German settlers did in 1845, automotive suppliers may very well find it the perfect place to “stake their claim.”
For more information, contact Rusty Brockman, director of economic development for The Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, Inc. at (830) 625-2385 or rusty@nbcham.org. You can learn more on the Web at www.nbcham.org.
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