Independent Rough Terrain: Specialized Manufacturing in Cibolo Reaches Around the World

Located in the GVEC region, Independent Rough Terrain Center (IRTC) in Cibolo, TX, is an example of the specialized manufacturing taking place within the communities GVEC serves. IRTC manufactures a piece of equipment you probably won’t see every day. With tires standing more than seven feet tall, the Rough Terrain Container Handler (RTCH) is designed to move fully loaded shipping containers across rough, undeveloped terrain.

Originally designed for the U.S. Military, the RTCH is now finding new applications around the world. From mining and energy operations to scientific research in Antarctica, the specialized equipment manufactured in Cibolo is reaching some of the most remote working environments on the planet.

What does Independent Rough Terrain manufacture in Cibolo?

Shipping containers move efficiently by ship, rail, and truck, but getting those containers to their final destination becomes complicated when the pavement ends.

Stephen Speakes of IRTC describes the role of the RTCH as handling the “last tactical mile.” Instead of unloading a container and transferring its contents onto multiple vehicles, the RTCH can carry the entire container across difficult terrain and deliver it directly where it is needed.

IRTC has operated in Cibolo since approximately 2000, with its modern manufacturing operation beginning in 2009. Today, 97 employees manufacture the machines. Members of the IRTC staff are also trained in engineering improvements and providing customer support. IRTC also maintains about $14 million in parts inventory and provides training, maintenance, and technical assistance throughout the equipment’s lifecycle.

How is IRTC reaching customers around the world?

While the military remains an important customer, IRTC has expanded into commercial markets where businesses face similar challenges moving supplies and equipment across undeveloped terrain. Mining and oil and gas operations are among the industries utilizing the equipment.

That growing customer base has taken Cibolo-made machines to some remarkable places. IRTC serves customers operating in Papua New Guinea, and three of its machines are currently in Antarctica supporting scientific operations.

The equipment continues to evolve as well.

“The machine you’re buying today is very different than the machine you would have bought 10 years ago or 20 years ago,” Speakes said.

Why is Cibolo a good home for IRTC?

For Speakes, one of the company’s greatest local assets is its workforce based in Cibolo, TX, and beyond.

“We’ve got an incredible workforce,” he said. “It’s our secret sauce.”

IRTC employees work with sophisticated equipment, read engineering drawings, and develop advanced technical skills. Speakes credits the region’s high schools, community colleges, and universities with helping create that talent pipeline. He specifically points to the University of Texas at San Antonio as a strong source of technical talent.

Cibolo also provides a dependable operating environment. Speakes highlighted the ability to operate throughout the year thanks to steady weather patterns, and emphasized the importance of reliable utilities to specialized manufacturing.

“You can’t afford to operate in an environment where things like your air pressure system goes down,” he explained. “You’ve got major involvement in stable, strong utilities.”

What’s next for IRTC?

IRTC is already working on the next generation of its equipment. The company is currently testing a prototype for a fully autonomous RTCH with a partner company. The technology could eventually allow machines to perform repetitive tasks in predictable environments without an operator in the cab.

Speakes describes watching the prototype operate as “almost ghostly,” but sees autonomous operation as an important part of the company’s future.

From its highly skilled workforce in Cibolo to machines working around the world, Independent Rough Terrain demonstrates the global reach possible for specialized manufacturers operating in the GVEC region.

To learn more about the resources and opportunities available to businesses throughout the region, contact GVEC today.