The Business of Manufacturing in Pasadena, Texas

Manufacturing is an essential industry in Texas and a leading sector in the Houston Metropolitan Area. In Harris County, where Pasadena is located, manufacturing accounts for 18.1% of the workforce or 177,488 jobs. There are also 5,154 manufacturing establishments in the county.

Manufacturing firms come in all sizes, and most are small businesses. Nearly 98% of manufacturing companies are small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. Based on the data reported in Harris County, the average manufacturing firm in the region has 34 workers.

“The manufacturers in Pasadena create items that are shipped across the world and are essential to the global economy,” says Arturo Marquez, Director of the Pasadena Economic Development Corporation (PEDC). “And many of these companies only have a handful of employees, some of whom have stayed with their employers for decades.”

Learn more about the manufacturers in Pasadena. Here are four great examples of the local manufacturing industry. 

BMC Global Manufacturing

The team at BMC Global Manufacturing has more than 35 years of experience in custom machining, fabrication, and manufacturing. It works with small and large companies alike, providing CNC fabrication and machining with traditional and unique materials.

Bobby Mcintire, President of BMC Global Manufacturing, started as a delivery driver at a sheet metal shop and then climbed the ladder. He learned key skills on the shop floor and eventually transitioned into office work. This gave him experience with all aspects of machining, along with the confidence to launch his own business. Mcintire’s company continues to grow and enter new industries, backed by a trusted reputation. 

Carbide Technologies, Inc. 

Carbide Technologies, Inc. (CTI) was founded as a manufacturing company that provides corrosion-resistant coatings and has since expanded to produce stems, valves, rotors, and more. The company is celebrating its 30th year in business, having opened in Pasadena in 1996.

CTI prides itself on its products and superior turnaround times, supporting its customers from the moment they submit an order through to the final delivery of the items. It supports several industries, including agriculture, aviation, oil, and petrochemical. 

Prostar Manufacturing Inc.

Founded in 2011 by Kevin Kiran, Prostar Manufacturing Inc. offers engineering services and custom products for a variety of industries, including oil and gas, construction, and production process equipment.

What started as an 8,000-square-foot facility with only 8 employees has grown into three facilities totaling more than 150,000 square feet and supporting 120 team members. The Pasadena facilities are located on Curtis Avenue and the Bay Oaks Industrial Park.

Prostar Manufacturing Inc. continues to grow by exceeding client expectations and maintaining a commitment to quality. This has allowed it to become one of the largest manufacturing companies in the community. 

Stepan

Stepan produces more than 650 products across 390 formulations. It supports 20 different markets across 11 countries. The items it produces range from coatings and adhesives to household cleaning products and personal care. It has more than 2,400 employees worldwide.

Stephan is a new arrival in Pasadena. The company opened its doors in April 2025 and produces 75,000 tonnes of alkoxylation per year.

“Our state-of-the-art facility is strategically located in the US Gulf Coast, near key raw materials, which will help reduce potential supply chain disruptions and improve our speed to market,” said a company spokesperson. The Pasadena plant has 40 employees working on site. 

Learn More About Manufacturing in Pasadena 

Manufacturing is a leading industry in Pasadena and an essential part of the local economy. Explore more manufacturing statistics to see why Pasadena and Texas lead the nation in manufacturing. An unbeatable location and a ready workforce make our community a top choice for major manufacturing firms and inspire machinist entrepreneurs.

Would you like PEDC to showcase your manufacturing company? Let us know! Reach out today to see how we can help your organization grow.