Thank you and good afternoon. Projects like this begin with relationships. Destiny ignited the initial meeting. It started with a business retention and expansion visit.
Angel Ortiz, where are you? Raise your hand. Angel Ortiz, in the back, represents us in Mexico. Angel met with representatives in Mexico at Valeo during a routine engagement. At that time, we believed the opportunity was intended for Reynosa, or Queretaro, and our goal was simple, do everything possible to support and retain investment in our region.
That conversation led to a call in December of 2024, my first opportunity to meet Francois and learn more about the project. Very quickly, we realized something significant. This wasn't a Mexico expansion, this was a United States project, and we were competing. Not only with other communities in the (Rio Grande) Valley, but with other states. From that moment forward, our mindset shifted.
We strategized and focused on the work it would take to get Valeo here. Site visits, infrastructure evaluations, workforce alignment, industrial partners, construction coordination, relocation support. Every detailed mattered. In my 24 years of working in economic development, in Hidalgo County with the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, this represents the largest industrial investment opportunity our region has ever seen.
(Applause)
In McAllen, we're proud to say we build relationships with companies. We don't just complete another transaction. It's a key factor from city leadership to our MEDC board and to our community. We don't just provide information. We take the time to understand what the prospective companies are trying to accomplish, their timelines, their workforce needs and their operational goals.
Then we tailor our services around the company - companies like Valeo - that are willing to invest in our community. We operate as a single source of coordination for them. But more importantly, again, we build relationships. We understand that investment decisions are not just about buildings or incentives. They're about trust. They're about knowing that when challenges arise, and they always do, you have partners who are responsive, aligned, committed to your success.
So to Francois, my good friend, to Jeffrey, thank you and to the entire the Valeo team, thank you for giving us the opportunity to compete. We are extremely proud that you chose McAllen. Today is not the finish line, rather, it is the beginning of a long term partnership. We're here for you, not just for the announcement, but for every phase of growth ahead. I was already being asked about expansions today, so we're here for you.
Thank you.
Editor's Note: The above commentary was provided by Ralph Garcia, COO of McAllen Economic Development Corporation, at a press conference held at McAllen Performing Arts Center to announce a $225 million high-tech manufacturing plant by Valeo in McAllen.
