Expansion Management

Pipeline Manufacturer Expanding To Nebraska

Jan. 30, 2014

Tejas Tubular, a supplier to the petroleum industry, will add 200 jobs over the next several years.

Tejas Tubular, a Texas-based manufacturer of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) in the petroleum industry, announced today that it was expanding operations to Norfolk, Nebraska.

The company will add 200 jobs over the next several years.

“We’re impressed with Nebraska’s fiscally-conservative approach to doing business,” said Max Tejeda, owner of Tejas Tubular Products, Inc. “The City of Norfolk also was instrumental in convincing us to locate here. "

Construction is expected to begin on the new 350,000 sq. ft. facility in this year with completion projected by the third quarter of 2015.

Tejas Tubular is a primary supplier to oil and gas producers throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Securing additional natural gas capacity to Norfolk also was key to the success of this project. Black Hills Energy has been working with the city of Norfolk to ensure that Tejas Tubular has the natural gas supply it needs, by adding a new natural gas line to increase reliability and supply to northeast Nebraska.

The approximately 50 mile-long Northeast Nebraska line will increase the natural gas supply by more than 50% and connect to Northern Natural Gas Company’s interstate pipeline, allowing northeast Nebraska to receive gas from multiple interstate pipelines.

Tejas Tubular will apply for incentives under the Nebraska Advantage Tier six that requires a minimum investment of $109 million and 50 jobs. Additionally, the State of Nebraska is investing $1.4 million from its Site and Building Development Fund, and the City of Norfolk has earmarked $3.6 million in funds for the project.

The State’s Site and Building Development Fund provides financial assistance for such eligible activities as infrastructure development and improvements, and other preapproved costs. The Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act, allows communities to use local tax dollars for economic development.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.