East Texas Has One Word for You: Plastics
Published Apr 25, 2008
Eastman Chemical Co. employs more than 1,500 people in East Texas.
Gladewater, Kilgore and Longview form a triangle deep in the vibrant economic heart and soul of East Texas, but it’s not just oil and gas that created this powerful triumvirate.
It’s also water – bountiful water just to the west of Gladewater that’s kept the area’s electrical rates among the lowest in the state. The combination of oil, gas and water has attracted some major plastics producers and blow molding companies, which produce the world’s plastic jars, tubes and tops.
The venerable Eastman Chemical – which spun off from Eastman Kodak in 1994 – has a manufacturing facility located in Longview. With more than 1,500 employees, it is one of the largest employers in East Texas. It’s also one of the oldest, dating back to 1951, when the first shipment of chemicals was made.
At the Longview site, Eastman manufactures some 40 chemicals and polymer products that are sold to individual customers and used in the manufacture of hundreds of consumer products, such as toothbrushes, bicycle helmets and vitamins.
3D Plastics, a major manufacturer of plastic blow molding, makes its home in Gladewater, while half a dozen other major plastic manufacturers lie in the triangle as well, including Frye International, which manufactures airtight food storage containers; GenPak Carthage, which makes plastic extruder and thermoformers; Pak-Sher, a leader in the manufacture of flexible packaging for foods; and Swirl-way, a maker of acrylic whirlpools and shower bases.
“One of the things we love here in East Texas and Gladewater is the water,” says Lon Welton, executive director of the Gladewater Economic Development Commission. “We have our own lake, which gives us an unlimited supply of water so our electrical service rates are the lowest in the state. We’re also halfway between Longview and Tyler and have easy access to Interstate 20.”
Story by Verne Gay
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