Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAOI), a provider of advanced optical and HFC networking products powering AI, has begun construction on its campus in Pearland’s Lower Kirby district, purchased earlier this year. The purchase included two shell buildings totaling nearly 400,000 square feet, developed by Stream Realty.
AOI purchased the buildings for $58.4 million and is investing another $94.1 million to finish out the 300,000-square-foot back building. The build-out includes approximately 196,000 square feet of ISO Class 6 cleanroom space, 36,500 square feet of office space, and nearly 74,000 square feet for shipping, quality testing and inventory.
Facility developed by Stream Realty, purchased by AOI in Lower Kirby
At this facility, AOI will manufacture its 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers, which are a critical component of modern AI infrastructure that let network devices communicate over fiber optics, enabling fast, long-distance data transmission.
“We are proud to be part of the Pearland business ecosystem and appreciate the level of support we received from the city and economic development offices to match our manufacturing needs,” said Dr. Stefan Murry, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of AOI.
We are thrilled to welcome AOI to Pearland and look forward to their continued growth.
Plant Process Equipment Completes Buildout at Edge Industrial Park
Plant Process Equipment (PPE), a subsidiary of Plant Process Group, has officially completed buildout and begun operations at its newly leased 30,000-square-foot facility in Pearland’s Edge Industrial Park. PPE brings advanced engineering, fabrication, and modular plant expertise serving refining, chemical, oil and gas, biofuels, and power generation industries.
This milestone is part of the ongoing SH 35 Corridor Redevelopment Strategy. The Edge Industrial Park was made possible through a successful public-private partnership with Stewart Development and PEDC. Stewart has completed the first three buildings within the 36-acre Edge Industrial Park and is moving through permitting on the remaining five buildings.
Lower Kirby
PCD Closes On 120 Acres For Mixed-Use Development
Rendering - The Orchard in Lower Kirby
Planned Community Developers (PCD) has purchased an approximately 120-acre site for The Orchard, a mixed-use destination planned for Pearland's Lower Kirby district at Highway 288 and Beltway 8. The development, which will incorporate the existing Bass Pro Shops, is expected to bring together retail, dining, entertainment, office, residential, hospitality, and community gathering spaces in a walkable environment designed to serve both residents and businesses.
The Orchard is made possible through a collaborative public-private partnership involving PCD, the City of Pearland, and PEDC. This partnership supports critical infrastructure investments that will advance the community's long-term vision for Lower Kirby. The project represents a significant investment in Pearland's future and reinforces Lower Kirby's position as a premier destination for business, lifestyle, and economic growth.
Lower Kirby
Thorpe Brings Operations To Lower Kirby
On October 14, Welcome Group hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for Thorpe's new 87,750-square-foot build-to-suit facility in Pearland's Lower Kirby district. Thorpe is a plant maintenance and engineering firm serving energy-intensive industries.
The project marks the first major tenant secured through the Hooper Road Redevelopment initiative, a multi-year public-private partnership between PEDC and Welcome Group designed to strengthen industrial growth and investment in Lower Kirby.
Thorpe's Pearland facility will support the company's industrial maintenance and refractory operations, allowing for improved coordination across business functions, streamlined distribution and greater flexibility to serve customers throughout the Houston region. The new location complements Pearland's expanding advanced manufacturing ecosystem and benefits from the area's strong infrastructure and proximity to the region's industrial base.
PEDC began working with Welcome Group in 2022 on the redevelopment of multiple tracts at the northwest corner of Kirby Drive and Fruge Road. Through a development agreement supporting land acquisition, demolition, site preparation, drainage, and road improvements, Welcome Group consolidated 25 acres and committed to constructing at least 250,000 square feet of modern industrial space.
Lower Kirby
Endress+Hauser Pearland Campus Expansion Underway
Endress+Hauser's Gulf Coast Regional Headquarters in Lower Kirby
Endress+Hauser has broken ground on an 18,000-square-foot expansion at its Pearland campus, developed in partnership with Vector Controls and Automation Group. The new space will support regional Gulf Coast demand through expanded light assembly, fabrication, materials handling, and calibration services. Scheduled for completion in late 2026, the project is designed to enhance logistics efficiency, increase testing capacity, and reduce reliance on off-site operations.
PEDC began working with Endress+Hauser in 2018 on the company’s Gulf Coast Regional Headquarters in Pearland’s Lower Kirby district, with construction of the facility completed in 2021.
Pearland Launches 2027–2031 Workforce Strategy Action Plan
The next chapter of Pearland’s workforce development is here with the 2027–2031 Workforce Strategy Action Plan.
Building on the strong foundation established through the Pearland Prosperity Plan and the previous Workforce Strategy Action Plan, this new five‑year plan reflects the voices of more than 70 stakeholders and the collaborative leadership of PEDC and the Pearland Chamber of Commerce.
The updated plan focuses on three key goals that will shape Pearland’s workforce future:
Employer Support – Helping local employers attract, retain, and grow talent.
Education & Career Exploration – Strengthening alignment between educators and employers to expand career pathways.
Workforce Resources – Equipping Pearland residents with the skills and connections needed to thrive in a competitive economy.
With the plan's adoption, Pearland is taking the next big step toward a future-ready workforce, one that supports local businesses, empowers residents, and strengthens long-term economic vitality.
PIH Empowers Small Businesses And Future Entrepreneurs
PIH Pitch Competition Winners
The Pearland Innovation Hub (PIH) recently hosted two standout entrepreneurship events that showcased the growing energy of Pearland’s innovation community. The 2026 Pitch Competition brought nine local finalists to the stage, where they presented their business ideas to an audience of 89 attendees. Munch Craft earned first place, Camp Perfect took second, and CoachedUp placed third, with each receiving cash awards and dedicated advising sessions to support their growth.
PIH also held its 3rd Annual Youth Shark Tank Camp, where 37 middle school students spent three days developing business ideas, practicing teamwork, and delivering team pitches to a panel of judges and a full house of more than 60 attendees.
PIH, a PEDC program, provides technical assistance, continuing education, and networking events that help entrepreneurs build skills and turn ideas into action, strengthening Pearland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Pearland Welcomes Industry Growth With Alterman Electric And Landmann Wire
Two new companies have signed leases at Welcome Group’s new 88,670-square-foot development at 3200 S Sam Houston Pkwy E. Alterman Electric, an electrical contractor, has leased 21,000 square feet in the facility. Landmann Wire, a manufacturer specializing in rope wire products, will occupy 25,000 square feet.
We are excited to welcome these two new employers to the Pearland business community.
Over 1,000 Job Seekers Attend The 5th Annual WorkInPearland Job Fair
The 5th Annual WorkInPearland Community Job Fair brought together over 60 employers and more than 1,000 job seekers at the Pearland Recreation Center. Attendees connected directly with hiring teams and accessed on‑site interviews, resume assistance, and career guidance across industries including healthcare, biotech, skilled trades, logistics, education, and professional services.
Click play below to watch a recap video of the event.
The Job Fair is a key component of the broader WorkInPearland initiative, designed to link local employers to Pearland’s skilled workforce.
Thank you to all employers, community partners, volunteers, and job seekers who helped make this year’s event a success.
Missed this year's job fair? Visit WorkInPearland.com 24/7 for access to hundreds of jobs and thousands of job seekers.
Current-period sales tax collections for Pearland in the second quarter of 2026 were up 6.9% from the same period in 2025, reflecting sustained momentum in local business activity and consumer purchases.
The unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2026 was 4.4%, slightly higher than the US unemployment rate of 4.2% and the same as the Texas unemployment rate of 4.4% for the same period.
