What's happening?
The expansion will create 150 new jobs and nearly $9 million in capital investment, according to the release. The company also received $1.5 million for the expansion from a Texas Enterprise Fund grant.
“With Ariat’s $8.9 million expansion of their regional headquarters in Fort Worth, this significant investment brings 150 new jobs for hardworking Texans in North Texas and showcases the strength of our state’s economy," Abbott said. "With a skilled and growing workforce and the best business climate in America, Texas is where businesses innovate and people thrive.”
The expansion follows the amendment of an economic development agreement between Ariat and Fort Worth, which passed during the city's June 10 council meeting.
“Fort Worth and the state of Texas have been an incredible partner in Ariat’s growth, and we’re proud to expand our presence here with this investment,” Ariat International CEO and co-founder Beth Cross said. “Creating 150 new jobs in the community is especially meaningful to us, and we’re committed to building opportunities that strengthen both Ariat and Fort Worth for the long term.”
The amendment adjusted certain deadlines and criteria Ariat needed to meet for the expansion, including the provision of jobs and investing a certain amount of money into construction of its headquarters and regional distribution center, located in the Alliance area, according to previous reporting.
The amendment stated that the city of Fort Worth must provide certain grants to Ariat following the completion of the headquarters and grants for the maintenance and operations of incremental city property taxes on real and business personal property.
“This expansion strengthens our city’s position as a hub for innovation, logistics and world-class brands, while creating quality jobs and opportunities for our residents,” Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker said.
The backstory
Fort Worth City Council first passed the economic agreement during its Dec. 10, 2024, council meeting to construct the distribution center and expand the company's headquarters, according to previous reporting.
The the construction of the new regional distribution center will result in approximately $72.6 million in additional capital investment and 250 new jobs, and the original headquarter expansion would add 100 jobs.
