The sprawling Samsung Electronics fabrication plant (photo) in Taylor is not disappointing as an economic driver. Another industrial developer has announced plans to build near the plant. A development group is planning more than 1 million square feet of warehouse and distribution space in Hutto, 20 miles from the fab.

Construction is expected to start later this month on the project, a joint venture of Velocis, Ironwood Realty Partners and MBK Industrial Properties. It will be built on 118 acres at 2351 Innovation Blvd., at the intersection of State Highway 130 and West U.S. 79.

The first phase of the project will consist of three speculative industrial buildings totaling about 660,000 square feet. The second phase will total about 667,000 square feet, also across three buildings.

The Samsung Austin Semiconductor factory’s economic impact report at the end of 2023 showed a $26.8 billion contribution to Central Texas.