Waco Industrial Foundation has been a driving force in economic development in Waco for more than 50 years.
WIF’s assets include more than 2,000 acres with a book value of $30 million. Available properties are located in the Texas Central Park and the Waco International Aviation Park
The foundation is directed by a 24-member volunteer board representing more than 40 local businesses under the management of the Greater Waco Chamber.
MASTER PLAN
WIF contracted with the Wallace Group in 2005 to update its master plan and map out the management of the parks.
Chamber staff organized a two-day charrette to address issues such as land use, infrastructure, build-out, signage and landscape.
Goals include developing an identity and brand for the parks; influence the design of the Interstate 35 / Highway 6 bridge; continue to hold Exchange Parkway parcels for campus development; connect the park to Interstate 35; and complete the bridge over the railroad and floodplain.
 SITES
WIF continues to maintain an inventory of fully developed sites for greenfield development.
WIF sites offer proximity to Interstate 35, mainline rail systems, Texas State Technical College industrial airport and commercial air service at Waco Regional Airport.
WIF also offers creative financial packages for sites within its industrial parks.
WIF works closely with the Waco/McLennan County Economic Development Corporation (WMCEDC), which is made up of WIF board members and representatives from the City of Waco and McLennan County.
WMCEDC works with WIF to tailor incentive packages for companies in the district.
HISTORY
WIF was established in 1952 when the post-World War II era was driving industry to the South. Waco needed a vehicle fo having sites available and financing ready for companies wanting to build.
Community leaders, with support from the Chamber, formed the foundation and began its task of acquiring land that became Texas Central Industrial Park.
WIF has continued to serve its goal of promoting development by providing land and land incentives to numerous companies, making the process for them to purchase land more efficient.
SUCCESSES
In 2002, WIF built Corporation Parkway, a street providing access to Interstate 35 from Bagby Avenue to accommodate the Tractor Supply Company Distribution Center, the Wal-Mart Returns Center and the mixed-use Legends Crossing.
In 2003, WIF expanded the Venture properties to support two industrial expansion projects.
WIF has supported projects such as Coca Cola North America, Caterpillar, Fleetwood Homes and even downtown projects, including the Raleigh Office Building and the Hilton Hotel.
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Texas Central Park is a 3,000-acre, master-planned park with more than 70 companies and 1,150 acres still available. |
Texas Central Park is comprised of 3,000 acres that include a Professional Park, Class A Business Park and extensive industrial sectors for turn-key development.
Texas Central Park is located along Interstate 35 near Highway 84. The Union Pacific Railroad runs through the park.
Fully developed greenfield sites are available for everything from advanced manufacturing to distribution centers.
More than 70 industries are located in the park, including Allergan, Coca Cola North America, Masterfoods USA, Sherwin Williams, Tractor Supply Company Distribution Center and Caterpillar.
 Texas State Technical Airport / Waco International Aviation Park provide sites for the aviation industry to continue to grow.
TSTC WACO AIRPORT
This airport serves as the runway for Air Force One when the president is in Central Texas.
The 8,600x150-foot primary runway and an alternative runway are managed by a control tower with 24-hour services.
Major tenants at the airport and business park include ACT-I, DHL, Sanderson Farms, Dr Pepper Bottling and L-3 Communications Integrated Systems.
Available tracts are from 10 to 200 acres with airfield accessibility on a two-million-square-foot apron.
WACO
INTERNATIONAL AVIATION PARK
The 1,000-acre Waco International Aviation Park offers proximity to the Texas State Technical College Waco industrial airport, US Highway 85 and Interstate 35.
The park neighbors Waco's largest private employer, L-3 Communications, and is home to the Dr Pepper Bottling Company. Sanderson Farms Inc. will open a hatchery and poultry processing facility there this year.
Approximately 700 acres are available for development in the park. Site are available in the aviation business park.
The Foreign Trade Zone includes 200 acres. A Triple Freeport Exemption is available.
For more information, call (254) 752-6611 ext. 201.
The Waco Industrial Foundation was able to meet our requirements for sites with land in the foundation’s inventory as well as secure the necessary extension of infrastructure to support our needs.
The aggressive schedule we embarked on would never have been possible without the can-do attitude and results of this group. Thank you to the Waco Industrial Foundation for keeping our project on track.
Bob Billingsley
Director of Development and Engineering
Sanderson Farms, Inc. |
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