Engineering firm Garver opens new Harlingen office, marking next chapter of growth in the Rio Grande Valley

By Garver

HARLINGEN, TEXAS (October 13, 2026) – Community leaders, including Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda, officials from the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, representatives from the Greater Chamber of Harlingen, and members of the Harlingen City Commission will join engineering firm Garver today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house celebrating the firm's new Harlingen office and its continued investment in the Rio Grande Valley. 

Today’s event marks a major milestone in Garver’s growth since establishing its Harlingen Water Design Center in 2017. The Water Design Center consists of multidisciplinary teams dedicated to the planning and design of water and wastewater treatment facilities and related infrastructure. The center integrates expertise across engineering, construction, and operations disciplines to support the development of customized project solutions.   

What began as a small local presence has grown to 54 employees, and the new office positions Garver for continued expansion in the Rio Grande Valley, including the creation of up to 50 additional jobs. The investment reflects the firm's long-term commitment to supporting economic development and strengthening opportunities for future generations across South Texas. 

Representing a $5 million investment, the new 25,000-square-foot facility consolidates Garver’s operations in Harlingen, provides capacity for up to 100 employees, and serves as a regional hub supporting projects throughout South Texas and beyond. 

“When we started in Harlingen nearly a decade ago, we were a much smaller team. We've grown because of the talented people we've been able to hire and the relationships we've built throughout the Valley," said Ernie Flores, Garver Water Design Center Manager. "This new office gives us room to keep growing while continuing to serve our clients and support a community that has been incredibly welcoming to us." 

The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation, whose partnership helped make the development possible, is playing a prominent role in today’s celebration. The office serves as the cornerstone of a larger mixed-use development near Harlingen’s medical district and highlights the collaborative efforts between Garver, the City of Harlingen, and regional economic development leaders. The 70-acre mixed-use development is expected to feature retail, medical and professional office space, high-density residential, and approximately 312,000 square feet of commercial space. 

"Garver's decision to continue investing in Harlingen demonstrates confidence in our community, our workforce, and our future," said Orlando Campos, CEO of the Harlingen EDC. "This project strengthens our local economy, creates high-quality jobs, and serves as a catalyst for additional development in one of the city's key growth corridors." 

Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda said the new facility reflects the City's commitment to fostering economic growth while creating opportunities for residents. 

"This investment is a testament to what can be accomplished when the public and private sectors work together with a shared vision," Sepulveda said. "Garver has become an important corporate partner in our community, and we are excited to celebrate its continued growth in Harlingen." 

The regional office has also supported local grade schools, colleges, and nonprofit organizations through more than $59,000 in community donations. Much of that support has focused on STEM education initiatives, helping inspire K-12 and post-secondary students throughout the Valley to explore careers in engineering and related fields. 

Local dignitaries, clients, community stakeholders, and Garver employees are gathering today to recognize this investment in the Valley’s future. The celebration highlights a project that strengthens Harlingen’s economic development planning while reinforcing Garver’s long-term commitment to the Rio Grande Valley and the communities it serves nationwide. 

About Harlingen Economic Development Corporation

The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) partners with businesses, investors, and local stakeholders to strengthen the economic vitality of Harlingen, Texas. Guided by a mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents, the Harlingen EDC delivers strategic, outcome-driven initiatives designed to attract and retain businesses, expand employment opportunities, and cultivate a vibrant, forward-thinking business climate. These collective efforts position Harlingen as a dynamic place to live, work, and do business.

About Garver

Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning, and environmental services firm focused on aviation, transportation, buildings, federal, water and wastewater services; surveying; advisory services; and construction engineering and inspection. In the top 100 of Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list, with more than 1,400 employees, Garver provides an exceptional level of client service that reflects our people-first culture, which has achieved Zweig Group Best Firm to Work For Legacy Status. Learn how Garver invests in people and places they call home at GarverUSA.com.