# Texas Factory Output Jumps

> Texas factories produce more but face worker shortages.
- Title: Texas Factory Output Jumps · Dallas Express | Shortify
- Summary: Texas factories produce more but face worker shortages. Texas manufacturing output accelerated in September as factories added jobs, but employers report…
- Keywords: texas, factory output, manufacturing, jobs, worker shortage, electricians, pipe fitters, welders, plumbers, truckers, dallas fed, texas jobs council
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/state/texas-adds-factory-jobs-but-employers-still-report-a-shortage-of-applicants
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-10-02T13:00:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: texas, factory output, manufacturing, jobs, worker shortage, electricians, pipe fitters, welders, plumbers, truckers, dallas fed, texas jobs council
## Texas Factory Output Jumps
Texas factories produced more in September as manufacturing activity accelerated sharply.
## Texas Manufacturing Activity Strengthens
The Texas Manufacturing Outlook Survey showed production jumped 13.4 points to 29.5 in September.
## New Orders and Shipments Rise
New orders increased to 30.7, shipments climbed to 24.8, and capacity utilization rose to 23.9.
## Employment Strengthens
Manufacturing employment increased from 8.0 in August to 15.1 in September.
## Worker Shortage Persists
Businesses report persistent obstacles to hiring, including a lack of applicants and skills.
## Texas Jobs Council Meeting
Governor Greg Abbott met with the Texas Jobs Council to address skilled worker shortages.
## Demand for Skilled Trades
Abbott highlighted demand for electricians, pipe fitters, welders, plumbers, and truckers.
## Hiring Challenges
47.5% of businesses report a lack of available applicants, while 46.7% say applicants seek higher pay.
## Skills and Experience Gaps
39.3% cite a lack of technical skills, and 35.2% report applicants lack sufficient experience.
## Texas Jobs Council Focus
The council aims to create clearer pathways into high-demand occupations and improve career training.
## AI Impact on Jobs
Two-thirds of Texas firms use AI, up from 40% two years earlier, affecting labor demand.
## Texas Job Growth Slows
Texas added 18,500 jobs in August but year-to-date growth remains at 1%.
## Key takeaway

Texas manufacturing output accelerated in September as factories added jobs, but employers report persistent difficulty finding skilled workers.