Local Leaders Plan Advanced Biomanufacturing Site Visits for March 2024

In a recent government meeting focused on economic development in DeSoto, officials discussed strategies to enhance the city’s industrial landscape and attract advanced manufacturing. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the city in accommodating new businesses due to limited land availability and infrastructure constraints.

One of the key topics was the scheduling of site visits with potential investors, particularly in the biomanufacturing sector. Officials noted that they are working to automate the scheduling process to streamline communication and follow-ups with interested parties. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and ensure that potential projects are not overlooked.

During the meeting, it was revealed that DeSoto had received 40 inquiries from the state this fiscal year, but 35 of these were declined. The reasons for these rejections primarily stemmed from a lack of available land, the projects not aligning with targeted industries, or insufficient infrastructure to support the proposed developments. This statistic underscores the pressing need for DeSoto to identify suitable land and resources to attract high-value industries.

The city is particularly focused on attracting biomanufacturing firms, which are seen as a key opportunity for economic growth. These businesses typically offer higher wages and require significant capital investment, making them more desirable than traditional logistics operations. Officials emphasized the importance of finding end users that can fit into the limited space available in DeSoto’s industrial park, which is nearly fully developed.

The discussions also touched on the potential economic impact of attracting advanced manufacturing. For instance, one project under consideration could involve a capital investment of $1.5 billion, which would significantly boost the local economy and create higher-paying jobs. This aligns with the city’s goal of enhancing the skill level of the workforce and increasing overall economic prosperity.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the critical need for DeSoto to adapt its economic development strategies in light of land and infrastructure limitations. As officials continue to pursue opportunities in advanced manufacturing, the focus will remain on attracting businesses that can contribute to the city’s economic growth while providing better job opportunities for residents. The next steps will involve ongoing outreach to potential investors and exploring innovative solutions to overcome the current challenges.