Bethel to invest $8M, create 400 jobs in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is set to welcome a major textile manufacturer as Bethel Protective Systems LLC announced plans to transfer part of its New Jersey operations to the Palmas Altas Industrial Park in Barceloneta.
The $8 million move, confirmed by Gov. Jenniffer González and Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) Secretary Sebastián Negrón-Reichard, is expected to generate 400 jobs within the next two years.
At the new facility, the company will design and produce uniforms and protective gear for military and commercial use, primarily for U.S. defense and security agencies.
“The military apparel manufacturing sector has strategic importance for our nation,” González said during a press conference at La Fortaleza. “Puerto Rico has decades of experience in textile and military production, a reputation for quality, and strong compliance with federal contracts. This investment diversifies our industrial base, generates jobs, and strengthens our position as a U.S. manufacturing hub under the ‘Made in USA’ label.”
The governor credited her administration’s reshoring strategy, established through Executive Order 2025-012, with securing the company’s commitment after six years of evaluation.
Negrón-Reichard underscored the broader impact: “This multimillion-dollar investment in machinery, infrastructure and equipment not only creates hundreds of jobs with an annual payroll of about $10 million, but also reinforces Puerto Rico’s competitiveness as a strategic federal supplier. In the long term, Bethel plans to expand further, creating even more opportunities for our workforce.”
As part of its support package, DDEC will grant $1.8 million from the Economic Incentive Fund, including $600,000 for job creation, $900,000 for equipment and $309,000 for infrastructure. The Puerto Rico Industrial Development Co. confirmed that Bethel will lease a 34,926-square-foot facility in Barceloneta.
Bethel Industries, based in New Jersey, began operations in 1992 and has grown steadily since Christopher Kim became president in 2010, quadrupling revenue and reporting record profitability over the past three years. The company has about 500 operators and is a long-standing supplier to the U.S. Department of Defense and law enforcement agencies.
“Bethel has chosen Barceloneta for this new facility thanks to the strong support from Puerto Rico’s government and the municipality,” Kim said. “We project up to 400 jobs in two years, and these positions will directly contribute to the safety of the men and women serving in our armed forces.”
Invest Puerto Rico CEO Ella Woger-Nieves called the project a signal of the island’s competitive advantage: “Our U.S. jurisdiction, skilled workforce and long history in manufacturing give us a unique edge in defense-related industries. Bethel’s arrival proves Puerto Rico can be a vital part of the national security supply chain.”
Puerto Rico’s textile sector reported 64 establishments and more than 8,200 jobs in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While traditional textile manufacturing has declined, the industry has shifted toward specialized production of military uniforms, medical clothing, sustainable fabrics, and fashion-oriented small and midsize businesses.
Negrón-Reichard said Bethel expects to begin operations as soon as November. “This is not a long-term promise — we’ll see production starting this year,” he added.
