Tariffs Prompt Houston Expansion by Manufacturer

HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – World Emblem, a major emblem and patch manufacturer, is opening a new factory in Houston, as it shifts production in response to new federal tariffs.

“We are committed to continue growing our U.S. manufacturing base, which will not only help us reduce tariff costs and improve supply chain efficiency, but also enhance our ability to provide same-day production and delivery to clients,” said Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem. “As a family-owned business founded and headquartered in Florida with locations throughout the country, we are proud to bring more jobs home in support of the country’s reshoring goals while continuing to improve service for our customers.”

The Houston expansion is part of the firm’s plans to “reshore jobs” from overseas to the United States. The tariff program was introduced by President Donald Trump on April 2 with fanfare as “Liberation Day” in the Rose Garden at the White House.

Fort Lauderdale-based World Emblem told the South Florida Business Journal that the company was facing tariffs increases of $100,000 a month as it imports goods from China, Cambodia and Vietnam.

In Houston, World Emblem has signed a long-term lease for a new 72,000-SF manufacturing facility at 6740 Signat Drive in Houston. The company is moving its regional operations from 35,000 SF in northwest Houston on Dorrington Road.

The firm’s new, larger Houston factory will initially produce up to 500,000 emblems and patches per week. With the Houston expansion, World Emblem will be reshoring production from its China vendors.

Approximately 140 employees will work at the plant to start, with plans to reshore 50 jobs and add up to 100 additional staff in total as U.S. production continues to grow to meet rising demand for the company’s emblems, patches, and promotional products including custom stickers, labels, pens, pencils, and name badges.

“Our new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to expand further and continue hiring more employees from the surrounding area,” Carr added. “We are proud of our dedicated team in Houston and strong connection to the city, and look forward to remaining an active part of the community for many years to come.”

World Emblem has additional U.S. factories in Norcross, Georgia and Upland, California, with more than 300 employees in total located throughout the country.

World Emblem, which bills itself as the largest emblem and patch manufacturer in the world, produces and ships 250 million products a year for sports headwear, footwear, sports garments, uniforms, and other apparel. Its clients include New Era, Aramark, Cintas, and Levi’s.