The father of the Port of Brownsville journeyed from a distant land to South Texas in the early 1900s and began championing the audacious goal of building a deepwater port along the U.S/Mexico border. Louis Cobolini immigrated from Italy to Galveston in the mid-1860s after being part of failed efforts to gain Italian independence from the Austrian Empire. In his early 20s, Cobolini, like millions of immigrants through the ages,…
Saronic Technologies will begin construction later this year of a $3.2 billion next-generation shipyard at the Port of Brownsville. The 835-acre facility – which is to be named Port Alpha – will build autonomous maritime vessels and is expected to create up to 10,000 direct jobs over the next 10 years. The shipyard site in Brownsville has the potential to expand to 4,400 acres as it ramps up the manufacturing…
A French-based global automotive supplier has broken ground on a 226,000-squre foot facility in McAllen in what its president of North American operations says is a start of a partnership “that will span decades.” Jeffrey Shay, an executive for Valeo, said his company’s $225 million investment “is a ground-breaking moment for the city of McAllen.” Valeo designs, manufactures and sells advanced components, systems and software to major automakers in the…
The first new refinery to be built in the United States in 50 years is coming to the Rio Grande Valley at the Port of Brownsville and local officials say it will make the region a hub for energy logistics and growth. America First Refining with the financial backing of India-based Reliance Industries will construct the facility on the southside of port’s shipping channel. It will take up to seven…
Valeo, a global automotive technology leader, will establish new U.S. manufacturing operations in McAllen. This announcement came recently through the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the City of McAllen and Hidalgo County. Headquartered in Paris, France, Valeo is a leading automotive technology company with operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, serving major automakers with advanced technologies that support vehicle safety, electrification, connectivity and next-generation mobility. Valeo’s decision…
Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas. Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port reshaped the southernmost tip of Texas from an agriculture-based economy into a global trade gateway. The construction of the Brownsville Ship…
The welding industry is a growing field as it experiences a strong demand that is driven by big infrastructure projects and increasing manufacturing needs. Retirements in an aging workforce are creating a need for younger replacements as one industry estimate says there are over 82,000 jobs to be filled annually in the field. It remains a male-dominated industry but some shifts are being seen. The percentage of women welders has…
The Port of Brownsville has honored M&M Mooring as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Chairman’s Award. Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra presented the award to owner Mark Clive at the recent annual Customer Appreciation Luncheon at the Rancho Viejo Conference Center. “M&M Mooring has been a trusted partner of the Port of Brownsville for nearly three decades, providing essential maritime services with professionalism, reliability and an unwavering commitment…
The Port of Brownsville has begun the demolition phase of the Cargo Dock 3 reconstruction project, marking the start of a major modernization effort for the port’s turning basin. Originally constructed in the 1940s, Cargo Dock 3 served the port for nearly 90 years handling a wide range of cargo. Located on Windhaus Road on the west side of the turning basin, Cargo Dock 3’s reconstruction will update the facility to…
At the southernmost point of Texas, where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf, the Port of Brownsville is driving a new era of growth and opportunity. Vessels, trains and trucks traverse the port’s industrial landscape, signaling more than just cargo in motion. This is the economic engine driving the Rio Grande Valley’s economy. As the only deepwater seaport located on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville has become a…