The Economy

Polymer Producer Expanding in Texas

Oct. 27, 2010

Company's plans include the immediate addition of more than 100 employees.

Invista, a Wichita, Kan.-based producer of polymers and fibers, said it plans to invest "significant capital" in its Texas facilities during the next six years.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Koch Industries Inc., also said it will ramp up employment "to support various initiatives and expected demand for the chemical intermediates it produces in Texas."

"We have initiated the hiring process to fill more than 100 roles at our Houston offices and at our Victoria, Orange and La Porte manufacturing facilities," said Jeff Silliman, Invista's global Intermediates human resources director. "Interested individuals can review open roles now posted at www.INVISTACareers.com to see if there is an open position that matches their interest, skills and experience."

Invista has approximately 2,000 employees and contractors in Texas and operates manufacturing facilities in Victoria, La Porte and Orange. The company also has two offices in Houston, which house engineering; project management; environmental, health and safety; and other staff functions.

The capital investments planned for Invista's Texas sites include safety and environmental projects, as well as production efficiencies and infrastructure renewal, according to the company. The investments will require an expanded employment base, including the immediate addition of more than 100 new employees such as engineers and maintenance and production technicians.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.