Since the early 1800's the "Buffalo Bayou" waterway, now the Port of Houston, has served as a catalyst to draw developers, manufacturers and shippers to our region of communities. Two key economic clusters have flourished: Refining and Petrochemical Manufacturing and Maritime - International Trade.
 

Refining and Petrochemical Manufacturing

Facilities - More than 125 companies operate in our industrial region on or near the Houston ship channel. This complex investment is the largest in the nation and second largest worldwide.

A vast network of interstate highways and rail connections link the industrial complex with inland markets; two major railroads and approximately 150 trucking lines connect the Port to the continental United States.  Excellent pipeline infrastructure serves the facilities.

Commerce - The Refining and Petrochemicals Cluster has long been important to our region and that of Texas.  With our historical supply of feedstocks and access to key shipping lanes, our region has helped the State of Texas establish a worldwide presence in this economic sector over several decades.

In Harris County, our refining and petrochemical manufacturing is estimated by Dr. Ray Perryman to contribute:

• 4,929 billion dollars in retails sales to the local economy

• 13, 944 billion dollars in person income to our local workforce

• 82,267 billion dollars in total expenditures in our local economy

Other Information - Our region's industry shares best practices in safety, health and environmental performance through a network known as the East Harris County Manufacturers Association.  The Economic Alliance works with this association to study and address economic trends in the refining and petrochemical manufacturing.