Turkish Company Westa Launches Agricultural Venture in Rio South Texas

Turkish company Westa has initiated the construction of its new agricultural industry plant in Rio South Texas, specifically within the Port of Brownsville Industrial Park. The project will cover 10 acres and include flour mills and wheat storage containers. The initial investment of $25 million could potentially rise to $50 million during its operation and create 120 jobs.

Zaur Kafkas, CEO of Westa, shared with Mexico Industry the various competitive advantages the region offers to boost their commercial processes and production chains, emphasizing Brownsville's strategic importance. "Rio South Texas seemed like the perfect place to establish our company because it meets all the criteria we were looking for, from connectivity to a skilled workforce. We anticipate great success with this project; the Port of Brownsville has world-class facilities that ease our expansion plans."

Investment in Rio South Texas

During the groundbreaking ceremony, the involvement of the Council for the Economic Progress of Southern Texas (Costep) in confirming the establishment of the company was highlighted. This was done through the participation of Rick Carrera, Economic Development Director, and Adam González, CEO.

González spoke about the impact Westa will have on the region's economic development: "We are always promoting the growth of Rio South Texas, and Westa Food presents a unique opportunity that will bring benefits to the entire community. As their production line expands, so will the number of jobs."

First Company in the Industrial Park

Westa is the first company to confirm its arrival at the Brownsville Industrial Park, which encourages other local and foreign companies to invest in the region, emphasized Esteban Guerra, President of the Navigation District of the Port.

The Port of Brownsville currently contributes to generating over 10,000 formal jobs across all its areas, according to William Dietrich, interim port director.

To mark the start of Westa's construction, a symbolic shovel ceremony took place, attended by Ralph Cowen, Vice President of the Navigation District, Commissioners John Reed, Sergio Tito López, and John Wood, Secretary of the Navigation District.