Tesla has further expanded its footprint in the Austin area, establishing a significant facility in Hutto, Texas. The purpose of this 36,000-square-foot site at 200 County Road 199 remains undisclosed, despite the bustling activity observed there.
The Austin Business Journal reported that the site, located in a rapidly growing industrial hub northeast of Austin, was active with employees in construction vests and helmets. The presence of Tesla’s electric vehicle charging stations was among the few indicators linking the site to the company.
State filings and confirmation from Hutto officials have linked Tesla to this location. The Hutto facility, approximately 30 miles north of Tesla’s gigafactory in eastern Travis County, signifies the company’s expanding regional plans, extending from San Antonio to Hutto.
City officials confirmed Tesla’s occupancy on January 3, following inquiries about the tenant. Tesla has submitted plans for interior modifications at the site, which was formerly occupied by The JRS Co. Inc., a plastics and aluminum manufacturer. Details about the specific activities Tesla will undertake at the facility will be released once the project passes relevant inspections.
Ashley Bailey, Hutto’s director of development services, highlighted Tesla’s plans as a win for the eastern area of Williamson County, which has attracted major data center operators and suppliers to the Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. facility in nearby Taylor.
A construction filing for “Hutto Facility TI” indicates a $1.6 million project for modifications to the existing warehouse, including HVAC and electrical upgrades. Tesla’s Alex Carpenter, listed as the tenant in the filing, declined to comment. Carpenter is Tesla’s senior staff materials engineer for battery recycling and has been with the company in Hutto since September 2022.
The 4-acre site is owned by Georgetown-based South Oak Properties West. Tesla’s growing presence in Austin includes its gigafactory, which is the region’s second-largest employer with over 20,000 employees. The factory produces Model Y SUVs, Cybertrucks, driving units, battery packs, and 4680 cells for batteries. Tesla’s goal of vertical integration is evident in its diverse manufacturing processes at the Austin factory.
In addition to the Hutto site, Tesla has filed plans for a “Project Cathode” facility next to the main factory and is developing a lithium refining plant near Corpus Christi. The company also leases significant warehouse space in Kyle and San Antonio for storage and light assembly.
This development marks Tesla’s first official venture into Hutto, a city previously considered by Musk for a gigafactory. Hutto has since attracted data centers and industrial space developments.
