The Culmination of Decades of Experience
Tulsa’s business community is thriving, and though all industries are growing, Tulsa’s Future identified target industries that are highly concentrated with the greatest growth and job creation potential. Each is vital to the region’s economic stability and development to grow.
Once referred to as the “Oil Capital of the World,” the Tulsa region is no stranger to leading industries. Home to Fortune 500 companies like Williams and ONEOK, the city continues to be a place where businesses can succeed across a diversity of sectors.
Advanced Manufacturing
Many of the nation’s largest manufacturers have chosen northeast Oklahoma for their growing operations. AAON, which has been headquartered in Tulsa since 1988, provides commercial and industrial HVAC solutions. Sofidel, an Italian manufacturer of tissue paper, invested $360 million in a 1.8-million-square-foot plant in 2020, and Whirlpool Corporation employs more than 2,000 people while continuing to expand its presence in Tulsa. Enel, an Italian energy company establishing operations at the Port of Inola, is investing more than $1 billion in a solar cell and panel facility that will be one of the first in the United States to produce silicon-based solar cells on a mass scale. The Tulsa Regional Chamber also sponsors bi-monthly meetings of the Manufacturers’ Council, convenes Chamber-member manufacturers for networking and discussion on issues impacting their companies and the sector.
Aerospace & Defense
The Tulsa region’s rich history of aerospace innovation, and the industry continues to have an economic impact of more than $11 billion. Tulsa is home to American Airlines’ maintenance base—the largest of its kind in the world, as well as major aerospace companies such as NORDAM and Spirit AeroSystems. The Tulsa Regional Chamber also hosts quarterly meetings of its Aerospace Council, which provides Chamber members the opportunity to network and discuss key issues impacting aerospace and related manufacturing sectors.
Transportation & Logistics
Northeast Oklahoma’s central location makes access to most parts of the country cost-effective and timely, which is why major companies locate key distribution centers here. Macy’s Owasso fulfillment center is the largest of its kind in the company’s network. In 2020, Amazon opened a 2.6-million-square-foot fulfillment center in Tulsa that employs about 3,000 mostly full-time workers. The Tulsa area also has two Class 1 railroads (BNSF Railway and Union Pacific) and three short-line railroads.
Energy
Tulsa’s energy industry builds upon decades of experience as the “Oil Capital of the World.” Today, some of the city’s oldest energy companies like Williams and ONEOK are now members of the Fortune 500, while relocating businesses like ClearSign Technologies and WPX Energy continue to tap into the local talent market.
Information Technology & Data Centers
With one of the fastest growing high-tech sectors in the county, IT companies trust Tulsa for key talent. Startups receive plenty of support from active VCs in the city.
Automotive Corridor
Tulsa’s electric automotive corridor means business, located in the second cheapest state for electric vehicle (EV) charging and home to the number one midsize electric utility provider in the south, Public Service Company of Oklahoma. It’s no surprise leaders in the automotive industry, including Navistar, Lyseon, Canoo and IMMI, have made the move to Tulsa.
Headquarters & Professional Services
Looking to relocate your company’s headquarter to a city that’s on the pulse of what’s new? Or, thinking about starting your business somewhere where local support and lower taxes are a given? Join industry leaders such as Williams, ONEOK, OneGas, NGL Energy Partners and QuikTrip in Tulsa.