Texas Workforce Commission officials say the creation of new jobs has allowed the state to hold onto its rank as second in the nation in manufacturing employment.
The commission said 25,000 new manufacturing jobs were created in Texas within the past year. The growth in the state's manufacturing industry could be a sign of economic recovery, officials said.
"Manufacturing is coming back," said Tom Pauken, commission chairman.
On Wednesday, the commission presented a McKinney company with the Texas Manufacturing Star award to honor the company's contributions to the state and local economy.
Daniel Jones, president and CEO of Encore Wire Corp., said his company has been able to weather the economic downturn and now is planning to expand.
"We never really had a situation where we needed to lay off," he said.
Encore Wire produces copper and aluminum wire for commercial, industrial and residential construction. Jones said it employs about 1,000 people and is planning to add 100 to 150 new jobs to staff a new on-site facility.
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The commission said Encore Wire Corp.'s success is an example of how to keep manufacturing business and jobs in Texas.
"They're hiring people rather than laying off people," Pauken said.
Pauken said the pattern is a welcome trend, especially after the United States lost about one-third of its domestic manufacturing jobs in the first decade of this century.
"It's critical that we bring manufacturing home to the United States," he said.
Pauken said he believes building and maintaining a strong manufacturing core should be a priority to preserve a strong business environment in Texas.
