Port San Antonio ready to add 5,000 new jobs by 2020

SEP 19, 2015: Port San Antonio is working hand-in-hand with its customers and public partners as it leads an effort to add 5,000 new jobs at the large industrial complex by 2020. Port president and CEO Roland Mower unveiled the ambitious goal to business leaders and public officials at the annual State of the Port […]

Port San Antonio ready to add 5,000 new jobs by 2020
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SEP 19, 2015: Port San Antonio is working hand-in-hand with its customers and public partners as it leads an effort to add 5,000 new jobs at the large industrial complex by 2020.

Port president and CEO Roland Mower unveiled the ambitious goal to business leaders and public officials at the annual State of the Port briefing, hosted by the West San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. To achieve this goal, the organization’s priorities will focus on ongoing modernization of the former Kelly Air Force Base property and further growing the Port’s strategic collaboration with its customers as they pursue important opportunities locally, nationally and globally.

Mower pointed to ongoing capital improvement projects totaling over $100 million dollars that are central to converting the former base so that it meets 21st-century industry requirements. He noted these investments by the Port, its customers and public partners lay the foundation to retain and grow the site’s key employers. These include large aerospace, manufacturing, business services, logistics and Department of Defense operations. Those industries based at the Port already employ 12,000 workers and generate over $4 billion in regional economic activity each year.

“There is a lot that has already happened at the Port over the past 20 years,” he said, citing the 1995 decision by the Department of Defense to close Kelly Air Force Base. “But it’s no exaggeration to say that we’ve only just begun.”

“We are proud to be a vital part of San Antonio’s history and to be a key player in helping shape its future,” said Port Board Chairman Dan Weingart. “We’ve built a strong foundation for industries that have grown here and provided good jobs to thousands of people. There are many opportunities ahead to grow that number significantly. The time is now to take bold action and add to that record of success—to benefit todays and future generations.”

“The Port is a vibrant and growing part of our community,” said San Antonio District 4 Councilman Rey Saldaña, who introduced Mower at the event. “As it redevelops the land that was once Kelly, the Port is part of an enduring legacy that is almost 100 years old and has transformed countless lives. With Roland’s continued leadership and ongoing support from partners at the City and elsewhere, I know there are new victories ahead. We are excited and energized by the Port’s bold vision to accelerate its job-creation mandate.”

Mower pointed out that only 40 percent of the Port’s 1,900 acres have been redeveloped to date. The expansive property, which is minutes from downtown and directly accessible by air, truck and rail, is a unique industrial and commercial platform for South Texas. Hundreds of acres are still available for strategic industrial and commercial expansions.

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