Why international companies are choosing Plano
Located just north of Dallas, in one of the most dynamic economic regions of the United States, the City of Plano is increasingly attracting international companies. Its strong business ecosystem, global accessibility, and growing ties with France make it a compelling option for firms seeking to grow their presence in the U.S.
Plano, the fourth-largest city in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area, has earned a global reputation as one of the best places to live—and to do business. Its uniquely dynamic corporate environment is home to more than 18,000 businesses, including 77 of Forbes’ Global 2000 companies and numerous internationally recognized brands.
“Plano is a major employment center in one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States,” says Doug McDonald, Director of Economic Development for the city. He credits Plano’s ongoing success to its highly educated talent pool, exceptional real estate options, top-tier transportation infrastructure, outstanding schools, and a collaborative, tight-knit business ecosystem. McDonald also points to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as a major strategic asset, helping attract and connect international companies to the region.
“One of our greatest strengths is our diversity, which reinforces our strong sense of community,” McDonald adds. “Plano is truly international, with more than 25% of our population born outside the United States.” He also notes that the city consistently ranks among the safest in the nation—an important factor for global companies and their employees.
Widely recognized as The City of Excellence and known for its slogan Where Big Names Call Us Home®, Plano has established itself as a vibrant hub for global business and innovation. It serves as the North American headquarters for leading multinational corporations such as Ericsson America, Toyota Motor North America, Samsung Electronics America, Siemens Digital Industries, and Hilti North America. The city also hosts iconic U.S. companies including PepsiCo/Frito-Lay North America and Pizza Hut/KFC. Plano’s financial services sector alone employs more than 50,000 professionals, with key players like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, and Fisher Investments maintaining a strong presence in the city.
Amid today’s global trade challenges, Plano has taken a proactive approach in positioning itself as a prime destination for international investment. The city actively builds relationships with global markets and regularly engages with foreign companies to explore strategic opportunities. As part of this outreach, Doug McDonald traveled to Paris to attend VivaTech, where he connected with businesses interested in expanding into the U.S. market.
“Europe remains a key pillar in our international investment strategy, and we’re excited to take part in VivaTech this year to continue building a strong pipeline of opportunities,” McDonald says. “We were honored to meet with Valérie Baraban, Consul General of France in Houston, and believe our mission aligns with France’s commitment to fostering cultural and economic partnerships.” Plano is already home to several French-based companies, including AIRBUS DS Government Solutions, Inc., Publicis Groupe Constellation, and Orano Med Theranostics, LLC, which recently expanded its operations—further underscoring the city’s growing appeal for international growth.
Interest from global companies in launching or expanding operations in Texas continues to gain momentum—and Plano stands at the heart of that movement. “Whether companies are establishing a U.S. presence for the first time or scaling to their next phase of growth, Plano provides the ideal environment and support to help them succeed,” McDonald concludes.
To learn more about doing business in Plano, Texas, or to connect with Doug, visit www.planotexas.org