Perez: Seven new industrial parks planned for Pharr

PHARR, Texas – The City of Pharr has another seven industrial parks on the way, in addition to the three to five currently under construction.

Victor Perez, president of Pharr Economic Development Corporation, gave an update on industrial activity in his city in an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service. The interview took place following a groundbreaking ceremony for a new industrial building being built in north Pharr.

“We have about three to five (industrial parks) right now that are in progress, where they are starting to build, to construct,” Perez said. “And then we have another seven that are coming in. We’re already doing the planning with them. So, it’s coming, Steve, and we’re excited about this.”

Perez said he will share more information about the seven new industrial parks at an upcoming industrial warehouse summit.

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The expansion of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge is helping to spur interest in further investment in south Pharr, Perez explained. The expansion includes construction of another span, which effectively means the capacity of the bridge will be doubled. According to Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan, the second span is expected to be completed before the end of the year.

“There are more and more people coming to visit with us about expanding their business on the south side of Pharr. The expansion is like having a whole new bridge,” Perez said. “And even if they are not expanding with us, they are going to come across to the Pharr International Bridge because time is money for them. They are ready to work. The IBTC, the 365 Tollway, they want to get their goods upstate as soon as possible. So, it’s a great thing happening in the City of Pharr.”

The IBTC is the International Bridge Trade Corridor being developed by the Texas Department of Transportation. It will run from the 365 Tollway and FM 493 to I-2. The 365 Tollway is being developed by Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority. It will link the Pharr International Bridge to Anzalduas International Bridge in Mission.

Perez said some of the heightened interest in developing in Pharr is being funneled through the new Pharr Global Business Hub, a new business incubator operated by Pharr EDC and UT-Rio Grande Valley.

“I’m glad you asked (about the Pharr Global Business Hub),” Perez said. “I walked in there a couple of weeks ago, and the lady, Eva, that’s running the center for us on behalf of UTRGV… as soon as I walked in, she said, ‘I don’t know what you’re doing, but those travels to Mexico, and the people you’re talking to, they’re calling, they’re coming in.’ So, that was kind of music to my ears, because that is what we built the incubator for. And we have some people already that want to lease space there. So, it’s working out.”

Asked how Pharr EDC markets the bridge and the city to industrial developers, Perez said: “They know about the City of Pharr. They know about the growth, they know about the leadership. They know what’s coming up with the bridge. And they know that we have the land available, and we have the staff, that we have experts in our EDC that know what they’re doing.”

Perez continued: “We had one meeting on Monday and that’s what we heard. They said, ‘we’re coming to you because you’re the experts.’ We’re here. The growth is here, and the leadership is here. We can help businesses thrive.”

Perez gave thanks to the Pharr city leadership, including Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, the Pharr EDC board of directors, and his staff.

The groundbreaking ceremony Perez and the EDC hosted was at 5101 North Cage Boulevard. It was a groundbreaking for a Class A, flex industrial facility being built on the west side of I-69 C, just north of Nolana Avenue. Totaling 24,990 square feet, the building will offer a range of sizes, ranging from 3,570 square feet up to 24,990 square feet.

“Today, we’re celebrating another groundbreaking here with the Wadhwani family. They have already done a BTX Global Logistics development here – a 120,000 to 150,000 square feet facility. Now they’re expanding to another 25,000 square feet facility. We’re very excited because it means more people are being hired. They’re going to be bringing other tenants from other areas. So, it’s a great win for everyone.”

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