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April 9, 2008

PAEDC hears about companies’ interest in business park

By David Ball

PORT ARTHUR — Former Jefferson County Judge Carl Griffith, who now heads Carl R. Griffith and Associates of Port Arthur, gave two presentations to the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation board of directors at their regular meeting that may result in a multitude of jobs for Port Arthurans.

Hawksen Corporation, of Taiwan, is involved in the petrochemical industry and is looking for a location to manufacture their goods because tariffs are too high and it would be cheaper for the company to produce in the United States. Also, no one makes the products domestically, Griffith said.

The company was originally interested in purchasing 15 acres in the Port Arthur Business Park, but they now are be interested in purchasing 130 acres at the park with the potential to create in excess of 1,000 jobs. Griffith is still meeting with the group and asked the EDC not to take any action until the second week of May. He added, however, that he was working on economic incentives and pushing for the company to locate in Port Arthur.

“It could be economic clusters (diversity of product) and a huge shot to the economy of Southeast Texas. It’s extremely exciting,” he said.

The company has further asked Griffith to tour their 300 acre facility in Taipei.

Board president Keith Daws was optimistic about the project and the economic diversification.

“I was wondering what would happen after the boom was over and what would we do with the extra houses afterward,” he said. Director Richard Wycoff said it was the best news he has heard in a long time.

Director Roosevelt Petry said the prospect that the economy will be more diversified was “absolutely excellent” and a “win-win” situation.

Griffith said his goal for over a decade was to reduce the unemployment rate of 18 percent for the west side of the city.

“It’s an opportunity to change their lives,” Griffith said.

Griffith next gave a presentation on ENGlobal Systems and their quest to find a location for the expansion of their business.

ENGlobal is based in Beaumont with 70 percent of their business overseas. The company produces enclosure systems that measure environmental releases for the plants.

Griffith said when the business’ owners were inquiring about places to expand their facilities, Griffith said he knew of a place for them — the Port Arthur Business Park.

The average annual salaries with ENGlobal range from $47,500 to $96,000. If the facility is located in the business park, Griffith estimates 545 jobs will be created by the third year.

Petry said he could think of no other company better suited for the business park than ENGlobal.

“I support bringing them to Port Arthur it 100 percent,” he said.

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