BROWNSVILLE, Texas –Tuesday, April 2, 2024 – Governor Greg Abbott today joined leaders from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) and the Texas A&M University System at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 30,000-square-foot South Texas Workforce Development Project advanced manufacturing training facility at the Port of Brownsville. The center will offer programs provided by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX).
Given today’s evolving technology, an advance manufacturing workforce is needed in the RGV to adapt to new tools, processes and methodologies. Classrooms and labs in the new facility will provide hands-on instruction and projects in advanced machinery, automation, digital technologies, communications skills, safety protocols, quality control, leadership and more, allowing residents to train and establish careers where they live.
“This new state-of-the-art facility here at the Port of Brownsville will train Texans to lead the workforce of tomorrow,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Students here will be prepared for in-demand jobs and receive hands-on instruction on real-world projects that are often encountered by workers on the job. They will get the experience and training they need to excel in cutting-edge manufacturing jobs here in the Rio Grande Valley and throughout Texas. Texas is the economic engine of America, where workers know that they live in a state where they can gain the skills necessary to help build the future. I am proud to be here today to celebrate the new South Texas Workforce Development Project as we continue to build an even bigger, better Texas.”
Abbott was joined at the event by Esteban Guerra, Commission Chairman, Port of Brownsville Navigation District; John Wood, Secretary, Brownsville Navigation District, John Reed, Commissioner, Brownsville Navigation District; Sergio Tito Lopez, Commissioner, Brownsville Navigation District, Robert L. Albritton, Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System; Michael A. “Mike” Hernandez III, Regent, The Texas A&M University System; John Sharp, Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System; Eddie Lucio III, former member, Texas House of Representatives; Dr. Robert H. Bishop, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering, Texas A&M University and Agency Director, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station; David Coatney, Agency Director, TEEX; and Mark Posada, Associate Agency Director, TEEX.
“As the leading economic engine and major job creator for the region, the Port of Brownsville understands the critical importance of developing a highly skilled workforce to sustain our existing industries and attract new ones,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra. “The advanced manufacturing training facility exemplifies our dedication to creating career opportunities and fostering innovation in manufacturing. We are proud to partner with The Texas A&M University System to empower our workforce for the future.”
The new $30 million facility, which is scheduled for completion in mid-2026, will be located at the Texas A&M Rio Grande Valley Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Hub (RAMI) at the Port of Brownsville. RAMI was created through financial support from the Texas State Legislature in 2021 to enhance skills in demand by the advanced manufacturing sector in the RGV. Administered by TEEX, the hub prepares RGV residents for technical workforce careers while stimulating the local economy.
“The Texas A&M University System and our partners are here for the long haul to make sure this area becomes the most prosperous region in Texas,” Regent Mike Hernandez said.
“This project marks a major milestone in the commitment that Texas A&M System has made to the Rio Grande Valley,” John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, said. “The South Texas Workforce Development Project undoubtedly will make a difference for countless families in this part of the state.”
Since the program’s inception in 2022, more than 30 area companies have enrolled employees in training at the hub, and the program has awarded more than 15,700 certificates to participants, allowing those who live in the RGV to train and work there.
Partners in the hub include Cameron County, the City of Brownsville, Texas Southmost College, Texas State Technical College and independent school districts in Brownsville, Edinburg, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, Los Fresnos and Port Isabel.
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Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra and Texas Governor Greg Abbot joined by Texas A&M University Regent Michael A. “Mike” Hernandez III, break ground at the 22-acre site for Texas A&M’s advanced manufacturing training facility at the Port of Brownsville.
From Left to Right: Sergio Tito Lopez, Commissioner, Brownsville Navigation District; John Wood, Secretary, Brownsville Navigation District; John Reed, Commissioner, Brownsville Navigation District; Esteban Guerra, Chairman, Brownsville Navigation District; Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Mark Posada, Associate Agency Director, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; and Michael A. “Mike” Hernandez III, Regent, The Texas A&M University System.
From Left to Right: John Wood, Secretary, Brownsville Navigation District; John Reed, Commissioner, Brownsville Navigation District; Sergio Tito Lopez, Commissioner, Brownsville Navigation District; Esteban Guerra, Chairman, Brownsville Navigation District; Michael A. “Mike” Hernandez III, Regent, The Texas A&M University System; Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Robert L. Albritton, Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents, The Texas A&M University System; John Sharp, Chancellor, The Texas A&M University System; Mark Posada, Associate Agency Director, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; David Coatney, Agency Director, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; Dr. Robert H. Bishop, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering, Texas A&M University and Agency Director; Morgan LaMantia, Texas State Senator; Eddie Lucio Jr. former member, Texas State Senate; and Eddie Lucio III, former member, Texas House of Representatives.
