Conroe's Oil and Gas Heritage
Conroe's modern history began with oil. In 1931, the discovery of the Conroe Oil Field transformed a small lumber town into a boomtown almost overnight. During the depths of the Great Depression, the oil discovery brought jobs, investment, and prosperity to Montgomery County, and for a time Conroe was said to have one of the highest per capita incomes in the nation. That legacy continues to shape the city's identity and economy.
Today, the north Houston corridor that includes Conroe, The Woodlands, and Spring is home to major energy headquarters, oilfield service companies, equipment manufacturers, and midstream operators. Conroe's industrial parks host many energy-related businesses, and thousands of residents work in the industry. The companies below represent the leading oil and gas employers and operators connected to the area.
The Energy Corridor North of Houston
The Woodlands and Spring area has become a major energy hub, highlighted by ExxonMobil's sprawling campus just south of Conroe. This concentration of energy companies has created demand for suppliers, service firms, and skilled workers throughout Montgomery County. Conroe's affordable land, access to Interstate 45, and proximity to these headquarters make it attractive for energy manufacturing and service operations.
The Top 10 Oil and Gas Companies Connected to Conroe
1. ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil's campus in Spring, just south of Conroe, is one of the largest corporate campuses in the region and serves as the company's global headquarters. ExxonMobil is a leader in upstream exploration, refining, chemicals, and low-carbon solutions, and employs many Montgomery County residents.
2. Occidental
Occidental, which acquired The Woodlands-based Anadarko Petroleum, is a major oil and gas producer with significant operations in Texas. It is also a leader in carbon capture and direct air capture technology.
3. Western Midstream
Western Midstream is headquartered in The Woodlands and operates gathering, processing, and transportation assets for oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Its infrastructure plays a critical role in moving energy from production areas to markets.
4. Repsol
Repsol's United States operations are based in The Woodlands. The company is active in oil and gas production as well as renewable energy development, reflecting the evolving priorities of global energy companies.
5. TETRA Technologies
TETRA Technologies, headquartered in The Woodlands, provides completion fluids, water management, and industrial chemicals. The company is also expanding into energy storage and lithium resources, demonstrating innovation within the energy sector.
6. Excelerate Energy
Excelerate Energy, based in The Woodlands, specializes in floating liquefied natural gas solutions. It provides regasification and LNG supply infrastructure to markets around the world.
7. Chevron
Chevron has a major presence in Houston and is one of the world's largest integrated energy companies. Its operations span exploration, production, refining, and emerging lower-carbon businesses.
8. Halliburton
Halliburton, headquartered in Houston, is one of the world's largest oilfield service companies. It provides drilling, completion, and production services and employs many professionals across the north Houston area.
9. Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes is an energy technology company based in Houston. It provides oilfield services, equipment, and turbomachinery, and is investing heavily in energy transition technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture.
10. NOV
NOV, headquartered in Houston, designs and manufactures drilling equipment, rig technology, and production solutions. Its manufacturing and service operations across the region create numerous skilled jobs.
The Local Oilfield Service Economy
Beyond major operators, Conroe is home to many smaller energy businesses, including machine shops, valve and pipe suppliers, trucking companies, fabrication shops, and inspection firms. These businesses support drilling and production activity across Texas and beyond. Conroe's industrial parks provide space for manufacturing and warehousing, while its workforce offers deep experience in welding, machining, and heavy equipment operation.
Industry Trends
The oil and gas industry continues to adapt to market cycles and global energy demands. Digital technologies, including automation, remote monitoring, and data analytics, are improving efficiency and safety. Companies are investing in emissions reduction, methane detection, and carbon capture. Liquefied natural gas exports from the Gulf Coast have expanded dramatically. Consolidation through mergers and acquisitions continues to reshape the industry. Many traditional energy companies are diversifying into hydrogen, geothermal, and renewables while maintaining core oil and gas operations.
Careers in Oil and Gas
Oil and gas careers remain among the highest-paying opportunities in the region. Roles range from petroleum engineers, geologists, and data scientists to welders, machinists, and field technicians. Lone Star College offers technical training programs that prepare students for energy careers, and many companies offer apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
How Local Businesses Can Partner with Energy Companies
For Conroe suppliers, contractors, and service providers, the energy industry represents a major opportunity. Large operators maintain supplier qualification programs that evaluate safety records, insurance coverage, quality systems, and financial stability. Small businesses that invest in strong safety cultures, recognized certifications, and responsive service are well positioned to win contracts. Many companies also maintain supplier diversity initiatives that create openings for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned firms. Building relationships through industry associations and local economic development organizations can help Conroe businesses become part of the energy supply chain.
An Enduring Energy Legacy
From the 1931 oil boom to today's global energy headquarters nearby, oil and gas has always been part of Conroe's story. The companies above continue that legacy, providing jobs, investment, and innovation that support the region's growth and its role in powering the world.