In a significant move marking its continued expansion, Saunders, a division of R.S. Hughes, has commenced construction on a new 17,800-square-foot manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas. This facility, located at 14639 Fallbrook Drive, represents a strategic relocation of operations from Illinois to capitalize on the burgeoning South Texas market. The company announced that the site broke ground on June 2 and is scheduled to begin operations in June, bringing with it the creation of 15 new jobs.
With an investment of approximately $2 million, the Houston facility will focus on transforming raw materials such as foam and tape into market-ready products, further enhancing Saunders’ production capabilities. This site will serve as one of two primary manufacturing centers for Saunders, complementing its existing location in Irwindale, California. Daniel Bonnaud, General Manager of Saunders, emphasized the significance of this development in a press release, noting the company’s commitment to improving efficiency and support for its customers across the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
This strategic relocation aligns with a broader trend of businesses moving operations to Texas, which is attributed to the state’s favorable economic conditions, including lower taxes and access to critical transportation infrastructure. For Saunders, approximately 70 to 75 percent of its output was already destined for Houston, making the move a logical step to enhance logistical efficiency and market reach. Additionally, the relocation allows for the expansion of the company’s previous 8,000-square-foot facility in Chicago, enabling further growth and workforce development.
The influx of industries into Texas is evident with other companies, such as electric vehicle manufacturer Envirotech, also announcing plans to establish operations in Houston earlier this year. These movements underscore Texas’s appeal as a hub for business growth, driven by its competitive cost structure and robust industrial ecosystem.