It's been years in the making, and if you haven't yet seen the $1.1 billion plant going up east of Gregory, you will be surprised when you do.
It's the TPCO America steel pipe making plant that will eventually turn out tons of seamless steel pipe for the domestic oil and gas industry. The first phase of the project was finished back in March, and the second phase is now underway.
On Thursday, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the local entities and Chinese representatives formally agreeing to continue to work together. The signing of the special document is basically an accord by all of the South Texas entities and the Tianjin Commission of Commerce to promote communication and cooperation.
A ceremonial signing promotes the strengthening of friendly contact and economic development, both points meant to pave the way to future cooperation. It is that ongoing cooperation that started off several years ago that has led to the $1.1 billion investment by the Chinese company.
A delegation of representatives signed the document, which will be in force for one year, but all agreed the future of economic development between the two nations will go beyond that time.
"This is another example of how important it is for local and state governments to get involved with international companies, because like with everything else, relationships are so important, and relationships with China are really important," Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal said.
A 200,000 square-foot structure that was recently completed will finish already-milled pipe. Phase two of the project will involve several buildings and will be a much bigger undertaking.
Chinese representatives said that there are other ancillary businesses looking to bring supporting industries into the area.
