Denton, Texas: Where Warehousing Meets Opportunity
August 19, 2024
Denton, Texas, did not become a premier location for warehousing in North Texas overnight. In fact, the city has a long history of serving as a focal point for transporting and storing goods. The first glint of Denton’s future as a distribution hub came in 1881 with the arrival of the Texas & Pacific railroad. As the city began to realize its commercial potential, it developed into a major agricultural waypoint for Denton County, which led Texas in wheat production from 1890 to 1920. Another milestone in Denton’s development as a center for logistics was the construction of Interstate 35 East (I-35E) in the 1950s. With the development of Interstate 35 West (I-35W) in the 1970s, Denton became the merging point for the two thoroughfares and US Route 380. With its seat holding an enviable position in the US transit network, Denton County became the nation’s fastest-growing county in the 1970’s and ranked among the country’s fastest-growing counties in the nation throughout the 80’s and 90’s.
Space to Grow in Westpark
Westpark Industrial Park is a master-planned business park spanning approximately 1,500 acres, with more than 700 acres available for new investment. The park is strategically located next to Denton Enterprise Airport, I-35, and the University of North Texas campus, tapping into the city’s transportation network and world-class workforce. Subsequently, the park hosts many distribution operations, including warehouses for Winco, ALDI, Fastenal, MillerCoors, and Tyson Foods. Target chose Westpark Industrial Park as the site for a 440,000-square-foot regional distribution center. The center is the company’s first robotics distribution facility. It takes advantage of the park’s future-proof master planning, which ensures the park’s infrastructure is state-of-the-art and adapts to the changing needs of industry.
Denton, TX: Your Warehouse & Logistics Decision
Denton brings numerous advantages to the distribution, logistics, and warehousing industry sectors.
Top-tier Connectivity
Today, Denton is more connected than ever before, a characteristic that has spurred the growth of the city’s warehousing sector. As a part of the Metroplex region of North Texas, the city boasts extensive road, rail, and air connections. In addition to hosting both branches of I-35 and US Route 380, Denton also provides access to I-20 and I-45. The City is located in close proximity to three intermodal terminals of Class I railway carriers (Burlington Northern Santa Fe [BNSF], Canadian Pacific Kansas City [CPKC], and Union Pacific). The closest is BNSF’s Alliance terminal, just 30 minutes from Downtown Denton via I-35W.
When it comes to air transportation, Denton is awash in choice. Denton Enterprise Airport (DTO), Texas's busiest general aviation airport, is within the city limits. Partially located within Denton County, the Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport is less than 20 minutes outside Denton. Perot holds the distinction of being the nation’s first industrial airport, specifically designed to serve as a hub for logistics, transportation, and industrial activities. Ultimately, the city’s extensive connectivity contributes to the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and general success of warehousing operations.
Thriving Economy
Denton’s warehousing sector is set to grow along with the city, and Denton is growing. A recent report by the US Census Bureau places Denton among the nation’s fastest-growing cities. Denton is experiencing steady economic growth, supported by a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, education, healthcare, and technology. This growth brings an increasing need for warehousing and distribution services. The city is working hard to meet this need through the ongoing development of industrial parks and ensuring that land is available for new projects.
Workforce Ready and Ready to Help
Target’s example highlights the important role automation can play in the warehousing sector. Denton is ready to host more technologically ambitious warehousers like Target. Operations leaning towards extensive automation can rely on the city’s highly educated workforce. Drawing on talent from Denton’s University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University, and North Central Texas College, warehousing operations can connect with professionals ready to work with emerging technology.
Capitalize on Denton’s Strengths
Denton, TX, has much to offer the warehousing sector with the Westpark Industrial Park and more. Available properties offer continued growth through a strategic location, robust infrastructure, and supportive business environment. As the demand for efficient logistics and distribution continues to rise, Denton is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and expand its role as a key player in the regional and national warehousing industry. Thus, companies considering a new location should contact the Denton Economic Development Partnership at info@dentonedp.com today.