Metal manufacturer plans $8M expansion of Pharr plant

Universal Metal Products is planning an $8 million expansion of its Pharr manufacturing facility, the latest investment in a South Texas operation that produces metal components for automotive, appliance and industrial customers.

The company plans to add 40,000 square feet of warehouse space to its existing facility at 101 W. Eldora Road, according to a new project filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Construction is scheduled to begin Oct. 1 and be completed by April 1, 2027.

The privately funded project follows several recent investments by Universal Metal Products in its South Texas operation. The company added CNC milling capabilities in 2023, followed by two 600-ton presses and 3D scanning capabilities in 2024, according to the company.

Universal Metal Products specializes in high-volume custom metal stampings for the automotive, appliance and industrial markets. Its automotive work includes components used in airbags, brakes, drivetrains, electrical systems, electric and hybrid vehicles, powertrains, seatbelts, steering and suspension systems.

The manufacturer dates to 1946 and operates three U.S. manufacturing facilities: the Pharr operation and two plants in Ohio.

Universal Metal Products refers to its South Texas operation as its “McAllen” facility in some company materials, although the manufacturing plant itself is located at 101 W. Eldora Road in Pharr. Other company materials refer to the same operation as its Pharr division.

The company opened the South Texas facility in 2004 with 30,000 square feet, according to its corporate history. Universal Metal Products has since expanded and upgraded the operation, including the more recent investments in machining, presses and 3D scanning technology.

The Pharr facility manufactures custom metal stampings and holds quality-management certifications used in automotive manufacturing.

The new warehouse expansion is privately funded on private property. The state filing lists Store Master Funding VI LLC of Scottsdale, Arizona, as the property owner and GDOT Design LLC of Streetsboro, Ohio, as the design firm.

The filing does not say whether the additional warehouse space will increase production capacity or employment at the Pharr facility.

The project is registered with the state, with construction expected to run for about six months.