Governor Abbott touts Texas economic strength after state earns another Gold Shovel Award
Austin, Texas – Texas has once again earned national recognition for its ability to attract major business investments, with Governor Greg Abbott celebrating the state’s latest economic development achievement after receiving another prestigious Gold Shovel Award.
The award, presented by Area Development magazine, recognizes states that excel at bringing in large-scale business projects that create jobs and generate significant capital investment. Texas received the honor for the 13th time, further strengthening its reputation as one of the nation’s leading destinations for business growth and expansion.
Governor Abbott praised the state’s continued success and highlighted the factors that have helped Texas remain competitive.
“Texas again wins gold for new jobs and business investment,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas’ track record of success is thanks to the best business climate in the nation, our robust infrastructure, and the strongest workforce in America. I thank Area Development magazine for this recognition, and I look forward to more new jobs and bigger economic opportunities for Texans for years to come.”
According to Area Development, Texas earned the Gold Shovel Award after attracting nearly $9 billion in capital investment through major expansion and relocation projects during 2025. Those projects are expected to create more than 9,700 new jobs across the state.
Major projects drive economic growth
Several high-profile projects were highlighted as key contributors to Texas receiving the award.
Among the Projects of the Year was Wistron’s $761 million investment in Fort Worth, a project expected to create 800 jobs. Another major Fort Worth project came from MTU Aero Engines AG, which committed $129 million and is expected to generate 1,200 new jobs.
Dallas also earned recognition through a Scotiabank project involving a $60 million investment and the creation of 1,020 jobs.
Additional projects spread across Texas helped boost the state’s standing.
Bridor USA announced a $410 million investment in Lancaster that is expected to create 600 jobs. Pharmaceutical giant Lilly committed a massive $6.5 billion investment in Harris County, generating 615 positions.
Pegatron invested $85 million in Georgetown and plans to create 500 jobs, while Southwest Airlines launched a $19 million project in Austin expected to generate 2,000 jobs.
Other significant investments included SpaceX’s $280 million project in Bastrop, creating 400 jobs; SPC Group’s $165 million investment in Burleson, creating 450 jobs; and Tesla’s $190 million project in Brookshire, which is expected to add 1,500 jobs.
Vinton Steel also made the list with a $229 million investment in El Paso expected to create 180 jobs, while Wiwynn Corp committed $152 million in Socorro, generating 514 jobs.
Long record of national recognition
The latest award adds to an impressive streak for Texas. The state has now earned either a Gold Shovel Award or Silver Shovel Award every year since the program began 21 years ago.
Area Development’s annual awards evaluate states based on several factors, including total job creation, capital investment, industry diversity, and how well projects align with broader economic development goals.
State leaders view the recognition as evidence that Texas continues to attract companies looking to expand operations, relocate facilities, and invest in communities throughout the state.
With billions of dollars flowing into new projects and thousands of jobs expected to be created, Texas officials believe the state’s business-friendly environment, infrastructure network, and workforce continue to make it a leading destination for economic growth. The latest Gold Shovel Award serves as another sign of that momentum as communities across Texas prepare to benefit from new investments and employment opportunities in the years ahead.
