Western apparel maker Ariat International Inc. will open its new regional distribution center this fall in Denton County, the company announced Wednesday.
The 1 million-square-foot distribution hub will be located at 15201 Blue Mound Road in Fort Worth, just off FM Road 156. The warehouse has been built by Missouri-based NorthPoint Development and is part of its proposed six-building, 5.9 million-square-foot Intermodal Logistics Center. Stephen Koldyke and J. Scott Moore of CBRE represented the landlord in the lease.
Some 75 employees will work at the new distribution center initially, but by the end of 2024, 450 full-time jobs are expected to be created. In response to this expected job creation, a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $750,000 has been extended to Ariat International.
“The Texas model of low taxes, reasonable regulations, and workforce investment continues to attract exceptional companies like Ariat that will ensure the Lone Star State remains a global economic powerhouse,” said Governor Greg Abbott, in a prepared statement. “Texas has a long and storied tradition of ranching, farming, and equestrian sports, and we are proud to build upon that legacy by welcoming Ariat to Fort Worth.”
While Ariat is headquartered in Union City, California, a representative for the company said in an email that Texas is one of its largest markets. Ariat is known for its western wear, including its line of boots.
North Texas continues to be a hot spot for California companies looking to move headquarters or set up new regional hubs. Earlier this summer, Chico-based veterinary supply manufacturer KVP International confirmed it would be moving its headquarters to McKinney in October. In late May, Southern California-based U.S. Auto Parts Network Inc. (Nasdaq: PRTS) announced it would be opening its first Texas distribution center in Grand Prairie.