Why Kilgore, Texas Belongs on Your Relocation Short List

What Small Business Owners and Manufacturers Need to Know About East Texas Growth, Workforce, and a Hidden Industrial Advantage

When business owners start thinking about relocating or expanding in Texas, the usual names show up fast. Dallas-Fort Worth. Houston. Austin. San Antonio. Big markets. Big headlines. Big price tags.

Smart operators know something different. The best location decisions are rarely the loudest ones. They are the places where cost, labor, speed, and support line up without the gridlock.

That is exactly why Kilgore, Texas, is gaining attention as a serious contender for manufacturing, logistics, and industrial expansion in East Texas.

In this kickoff episode of the Kilgore Spotlight Series on the Gone to Texas Podcast, host Super Dave Quinn sits down with Lisa Denton, Executive Director of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation. They discuss what Kilgore is known for, how its industrial base has grown over the past 35 years, and why it is becoming a high-value option for business owners looking for a better operating environment.

Kilgore's Story From Oil Boom Roots to Industrial Diversification

Kilgore has deep history. It is famously known as the "world's richest acre," tied to the East Texas oil boom of the 1930s. What makes Kilgore relevant today is not nostalgia.

It is what the community learned from volatility. Oil and gas is cyclical. Booms do not last forever.

That lesson is why Kilgore formed its economic development organization in 1990, when Texas communities gained the ability to invest sales tax dollars into economic development. The mission was clear. Diversify the economy and build an industrial base that could withstand downturns.

The results are measurable. Kilgore's industrial tax base grew 551 percent from 1990 to 2025. That growth came even after significant losses in 2019 and 2020 when legacy energy employers exited the market.

For business owners, the takeaway is straightforward. Kilgore is not experimenting. It has been intentionally building its industrial foundation for decades.

What Economic Development Actually Means

Many business owners have never worked with an economic development organization. Some do not even believe one exists to help them.

Lisa explained that Kilgore EDC exists to support companies after they arrive, not just recruit them and move on.

Support includes coordinating with city and county officials when infrastructure issues arise, connecting employers to workforce training programs, assisting with expansion planning, and continuing to attract industries that strengthen the local tax base.

Relocation always carries risk. The right economic development partner reduces uncertainty by building relationships and providing direct access to decision-makers.

Synergy Park A Class A Industrial Campus

One of Kilgore's strongest recruitment tools is Synergy Park.

It is a gated, campus-style industrial park with shovel-ready sites, modern infrastructure, and security. It also includes nature trails and a lake managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

This design was intentional. In a competitive labor market, the quality of the environment matters. Synergy Park offers employers a professional setting that helps with retention and recruitment.

The scale inside the park is significant. Facilities include nearly one million square feet operated by Orgill, a new 420,000-square-foot building for Camfil, and a 472,000-square-foot facility under development for KeepIt.

From the front, it may look modest. Inside, it is a serious industrial engine.

Workforce, Cost, and Regional Access

A building means nothing without labor. Kilgore's workforce reach extends across a 12-county labor shed with more than 700,000 residents and over 325,000 workers.

Within an hour's drive are multiple higher education institutions, including Kilgore College and LeTourneau University. Many offer customized workforce training aligned with employer needs.

Operating costs are another advantage. Land costs are lower. Utility rates are competitive. Taxes are lower than in many metro markets. Companies gain access to Interstate 20 and regional distribution routes without the congestion of larger cities.

For owners evaluating the total cost of operation, that equation matters.

Service That Goes Beyond Incentives

Incentives are part of the conversation. Service is what companies remember.

Examples shared in the podcast illustrate the difference. When equipment arrived for a German-owned company during travel restrictions, the mayor personally ensured it was unloaded and secured. When another employer needed furniture to conduct urgent hiring events, local staff stepped in to coordinate and resolve the issue immediately.

That level of responsiveness builds trust. In Kilgore, businesses are not anonymous. They are partners.

A Diversified Industrial Base

Kilgore's economy includes advanced manufacturing, engineered components, aerospace-related production, distribution, plastics, and industrial services.

Some companies began in oil and gas and transitioned into aerospace or precision manufacturing. That adaptability reflects a workforce capable of reskilling and upskilling as industries evolve.

Entrepreneurial spirit did not disappear when oil cycles shifted. It evolved.

Why Kilgore Should Be on Your Short List

If you are considering relocating or expanding in Texas, Kilgore deserves evaluation if you value:

• Industrial-ready sites

• Workforce access and training partnerships

• Lower operating costs

• Regional transportation connectivity

• Direct access to local leadership

• Long-term partnership

Small and mid-sized markets often provide a unique advantage. You are not just another tenant. You become a priority.

Learn More

The Kilgore Spotlight Series is part of the Gone to Texas Podcast, which shares real stories of business growth and relocation across the Lone Star State.

To explore the Kilgore episodes and hear directly from local industry leaders, visit
GonetoTexasPodcast.com/kilgore-spotlight-series

To connect with Kilgore Economic Development Corporation and explore site opportunities, workforce resources, and available properties, visit Kilgore-EDC.com

To access relocation guidance across Texas communities, visit
TexasEDConnection.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Relocating or Expanding a Business in Kilgore, Texas

1. Why are companies considering Kilgore, Texas, for relocation or expansion?

Companies are considering Kilgore, Texas, because it offers lower operating costs, access to a large regional workforce, strong infrastructure along the I-20 corridor, and hands-on support from the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (Kilgore EDC). The community has intentionally diversified its economy, making it attractive to manufacturers, logistics companies, and other industrial operations seeking long-term stability.

2. What industries are growing in Kilgore, Texas?

Kilgore has a strong presence in manufacturing, engineered components, aerospace-related production, distribution, energy support services, and industrial logistics. Companies in Synergy Park and surrounding industrial areas serve national and international markets, including precision manufacturing and supply chain operations.

3. What is Synergy Park in Kilgore, Texas?

Synergy Park is a Class A, campus-style industrial park in Kilgore designed to attract and retain modern industrial employers. It features gated access, secure facilities, shovel-ready sites, and unique amenities like nature trails and a stocked lake. Major companies in Synergy Park operate hundreds of thousands of square feet of industrial space.

4. Does Kilgore, Texas, have access to a skilled workforce?

Yes. Kilgore draws from a 12-county labor shed with over 700,000 residents and more than 325,000 workers. Workforce training partnerships with Kilgore College, LeTourneau University, and other nearby institutions support customized training programs for employers in advanced manufacturing and technical fields.

5. How has Kilgore's industrial base grown over time?

Since the formation of Kilgore Economic Development Corporation in 1990, the city's industrial tax base has grown by more than 551%. This growth reflects intentional diversification away from oil and gas dependency toward a broader industrial and manufacturing base.

6. What makes Kilgore competitive compared to larger Texas cities?

Kilgore offers lower land costs, lower utility rates, lower tax burdens, and reduced congestion compared to major metro areas. Companies benefit from a supportive local government structure and faster access to decision-makers, while still being within reach of major Texas markets.

7. What support does Kilgore EDC provide to relocating businesses?

Kilgore EDC assists with site selection, coordination with city and county officials, workforce connections, training resources, infrastructure planning, and ongoing business retention support. The organization acts as a liaison to ensure companies have access to the local resources they need before and after relocation.

8. Is Kilgore connected to national and international markets?

Yes. Kilgore is located along Interstate 20 in East Texas, offering efficient transportation access. Several companies operating in Kilgore serve global markets, and the region actively participates in international business outreach efforts to attract foreign direct investment.

9. What types of companies are a good fit for Kilgore, Texas?

Manufacturers, distribution centers, engineered component producers, supply chain operators, and industrial firms seeking cost efficiency and workforce access are strong candidates for Kilgore. Companies that value long-term partnerships with local leadership often find Kilgore particularly attractive.

10. How can business owners explore relocation opportunities in Kilgore or other Texas communities?

Business owners can start by contacting Kilgore Economic Development Corporation directly for local opportunities. For broader statewide exploration, the Texas Economic Development Connection provides access to communities, resources, and strategic guidance for companies considering relocation or expansion in Texas.