Greater Houston Partnership’s 2024 economic development efforts continue to attract global businesses and fuel growth in the city. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Partnership reported a total of 540 new business announcements. Of these, 379 companies were expanding their Houston area operations, and 158 were establishing new ones.
Origins of the Greater Houston Partnership
Founded in 1840, the Greater Houston Partnership serves as a gathering place for community-oriented business leaders working to address the unique challenges that face the city and drive positive economic growth.
Since a merger in 1989 with the Greater Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Economic Development Council, and the Houston World Trade Association, the Partnership has worked diligently to serve 900 member companies in the region.
“The Partnership strives to make Houston one of the best places to live, work and build a business,” the organization’s website states.
Fourth Quarter Successes
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Greater Houston Partnership assisted 36 of the 534 new business announcements. In doing so, the organization helped create upwards of 5,000 jobs and provided the economy with a total capital investment of $1.1 billion. The following are some of the most notable project successes from this latest initiative.
Healgen Scientific, LLC
Recently, the Chinese company Healgen Scientific, LLC celebrated the grand opening of its first United States manufacturing facility and office headquarters in Houston. As a leading provider of diagnostic and medical testing solutions, the facility plans to manufacture COVID-19 and influenza tests while serving as the central hub for the company’s distribution operations. The company’s project will provide 200 jobs and a capital investment of $27 million.
IC Star Solar, LLC
In 2024, Cambodian PV power generation product manufacturer IC Star Solar, LLC opened a manufacturing facility in Tomball. The new facility focuses on the production of solar cells and modules, employing 348 people and growing Houston’s economy with a capital investment of $30 million.
Bionova Scientific
In 2024, the American biologics contract development and manufacturing organization Bionova Scientific expanded its research, development, and manufacturing operations in Houston’s Woodlands Innovation District. Focused on developing and manufacturing recombinant protein products, this expansion has created 57 jobs and provided a $100 million capital investment for the city.
Grainger, Inc.
In 2024, the leading broadline distributor of maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products Grainger, Inc. began work on a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Houston. Once completed, the facility will be one of the Fortune 300 company’s largest. As such, it will create 300 jobs and have a capital investment of $225 million.
TMEIC Corporation Americas
Recently, the Japanese company TMEIC Corporation Americas announced the relocation of its corporate headquarters to Houston. Simultaneously, the company announced that it would be expanding its state-of-the-art photovoltaic inverter manufacturing facility in Brookshire. Aiding both Houston and the broader United States solar market, the project will create 300 jobs and provide a capital investment of $300 million.
QYK Brands
The largest manufacturer of wipes and methyl methacrylate (MAA), QYK Brands plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Houston. Currently, the company houses a biochemical manufacturing plant that produces 7,000 metric tons of product each year, and its new facility will employ about 1,000 people. Over the next three years, QYK Brands will provide $400 million in capital investment.
A Time for Growth in Houston
The Greater Houston Partnership believes now is the best time to start or expand a business in Houston. It’s a thriving city for business and a key partner for companies looking to grow. With numerous recent successes in 2023 and 2024, the Partnership hopes to make 2025 another milestone year for lasting growth in Houston.
