Beginning with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC), The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the City of El Paso (COEP) jointly serve as implementing partners for the West Texas Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing Coalition. The Coalition’s primary goal is to position West Texas as a leading hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing by supporting the entry of new and competitive firms into the defense industrial base by 2027.
To achieve this, the Innovation Network provides small and medium-sized manufacturers, as well as aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing startups, with the tools, infrastructure, and support needed to compete in these markets. This includes expanding access to applied research and development in aerospace, defense, and additive manufacturing, while also strengthening acceleration services and introducing new incubation opportunities.
Through customized programming and purpose-built facilities located within the Advanced Manufacturing District, the initiative reduces barriers to entry that are often costly and difficult to navigate. These efforts are designed to strengthen the regional manufacturing ecosystem, drive innovation, and ultimately support job creation and long-term industry growth in West Texas.
A key component of this effort is the Advanced Manufacturing District (AMD), located at the El Paso International Airport. The AMD provides strategic lease incentives and offers manufacturers a prime location with access to multi-modal transportation infrastructure, including air, rail, roadway systems, and international ports of entry with Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Its proximity to Fort Bliss also makes it an ideal hub for companies requiring high-security capabilities and access to defense-related opportunities. The district fosters collaboration by co-locating businesses within a connected manufacturing ecosystem. It is now open for leasing and actively accepting tenant applications. Organizations are invited to review site details and apply to join this next-generation manufacturing hub.
Advanced Manufacturing District Application
Launched in 2023 at the El Paso International Airport, the Innovation Factory began as a 30,000-square-foot facility providing companies with space, incentives, and business support through $3 million in federal funding. Due to growing demand, the facility expanded to 50,000 square feet to support additional business growth and capacity. The Innovation Factory also complements the 250-acre Advanced Manufacturing District, helping drive innovation, job creation, and regional growth in the manufacturing and defense industries.
Learn MoreThe City of El Paso is launching a new opportunity for manufacturers ready to grow into the federal defense market. This incentive program provides performance-based funding tied to key milestones like registrations, certifications, and contracting activity. Eligible companies are guided toward achieving Defense Readiness Level 6 to compete for U.S. Department of Defense contracts. Applications are now open for manufacturers based in El Paso looking to expand and diversify.
DIBBs ApplicationUTEP and COEP collaborated to create a list of the most pressing challenges facing the El Paso Region Advanced Manufacturing industry. The BBBRC grant programs and projects are designed to address these challenges:
To assess progress toward BBBRC’s goals and outcomes, program data and documentation are reviewed across all grant components, including project reports, program materials, and EDA reporting. This structured evaluation process helps track project activities, measure performance across subawards and contracts, and ensure alignment with overall program objectives. Together, these efforts support informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and the long-term effectiveness of BBBRC initiatives.
The BBBRC grant expanded its performance metrics and indicators to better measure progress toward program goals and targeted outcomes. The framework tracks key areas such as employment, financial capacity, research activity, and overall program impact while supporting the evaluation of both early-stage activities and long-term growth. Combined with surveys and industry engagement efforts, these metrics help guide continuous improvement and long-term program success.
Growing the region’s aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors presents a significant opportunity for transformative economic development and job creation. To ensure measurable impact, the West Texas A&D Manufacturing Coalition established clear targets at the outset. This includes:
The program tracks all participating firms and activities to monitor progress toward these goals and ensure consistent measurement of outcomes across the network.
The Aerospace & Defense Supply Chain Innovation Network for Manufacturers helps El Paso companies grow in aerospace and defense markets through advanced manufacturing support, engineering and R&D resources, workforce development, and defense contracting assistance. Through partnerships with organizations such as the UTEP Aerospace & Defense Design Center, companies can also gain access to industry certifications, CONNEX, business coaching, and connections to DoD, NASA, and aerospace buyers.
5TH Largest Manufacturing Hub
373k+ Workforce
300+ Available Manufactures
Fort Bliss, with its extensive military presence, diverse workforce, and various military bases such as White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base, help multiply economic growth in the region. These bases create employment opportunities and increase demand for goods and services, benefiting businesses across various sectors.
The W.M. Keck Center at the University of Texas at El Paso serves as a focal point for the advancement of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. The Advanced Technology Center at El Paso Community College, alongside various other trade schools in the region, diligently equip students with the necessary skills to integrate into the expansive manufacturing workforce of over 373,000 individuals within the El Paso area.
In 2022, El Paso and UTEP led a coalition awarded $40 million to develop a regional advanced manufacturing cluster for aerospace and defense industries. This initiative leverages UTEP’s incubation programs, Fort Bliss, White Sands Missile Range, Holloman AFB, and El Paso's multi-modal port position, aiming to boost the region's advanced manufacturing capabilities.
458,792 – Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim
399,325 – Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
375,447 – San Diego-Carlsbad-Tijuana
333,583 – New York-Newark-Jersey City
319,628 – El Paso-Las Cruces-Juarez
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics;
Statistics Canada; INEGI Note: 2021 average
Doña Ana County in New Mexico enhances El Paso's economy with agriculture, aerospace, and research at New Mexico State University. The Borderplex Region, benefits from this strategic location and connectivity:
Our region offers investors access to a diverse economy, strategic location, and durable infrastructure.
Aerospace & Defense
Economic & International
