Texas A&M and Brownsville Port Partner for Advanced Technology Investment

A new $30 million investment has been announced for the establishment of an Advanced Technology Center at the Port of Brownsville, Texas, with support from the Texas A&M University System.

The facility, spanning 30,000 square feet, will feature classrooms and laboratories focusing on innovation processes, trends and methodologies, machinery, automation, digital technologies, communication skills, safety protocols, quality control, leadership, and more.

This project will be part of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), aimed at developing new competitive advantages in the workforce of South Texas.

Inauguration Ceremony

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Esteban Guerra, President of the Brownsville Navigation District Commission, John Wood, District Secretary, as well as Commissioners John Reed and Sergio Tito López.

Representatives from the Texas A&M University System included Michael Hernandez III, Regent, John Sharp, Chancellor, Eddie Lucio III, former member of the Texas House of Representatives, Robert Bishop, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Engineering, David Coatney, Agency Director, and Park Posada, Associate Director.

In his address, Governor Abbott highlighted the educational competencies offered by South Texas for the economic development of the United States and how it has enabled the workforce to excel internationally. He emphasized, "Students here will gain the knowledge required by real-world companies, and through experience and training, they will excel in manufacturing trends, making their presence not only regional but statewide."

President of the Brownsville Navigation District Commission added, "The Port of Brownsville understands the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce to keep existing businesses in the region competitive and attract new ones. This new center sets an example of the opportunities available."

Opportunity for South Texas

The Advanced Technology Center is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2026 and will be located at the Texas A&M Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (RAMI), providing easy access for students and professionals seeking to enhance their skills.

According to a statement from the Port of Brownsville, the RAMI program began in 2022, and since then, 30 companies have participated in various training programs, resulting in the issuance of 15,700 certifications.

"This project marks a significant milestone in Texas A&M's commitment to the Rio Grande Valley region and will undoubtedly make a difference for countless families," stated port officials.

Furthermore, they detailed plans to leverage partnerships with Cameron County, the City of Brownsville, educational centers such as Texas Southmost College and Texas State Technical College, as well as independent school districts in Brownsville, Edinburg, Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, Los Fresnos, and Port Isabel, to maximize impact.