Area Development
A primary supplier to oil and gas producers, Tejas Tubular Products Inc. plans to extend its manufacturing operation to Norfolk, Nebraska, bringing approximately 200 jobs to Madison County during the next several years. Construction is expected to begin on the new 350,000 sq. ft. facility this year, with completion projected by the third quarter of 2015.

"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. I can readily see the quality and dedication of the local workforce, and am looking forward to hiring hard-working Nebraskans to manufacture our line of quality products."

"It's great that Tejas Tubular is expanding their operations to Nebraska," said Gov. Dave Heineman. "Their investment is a good example of how Nebraska is moving forward as a desired, premiere destination for companies looking to expand and create jobs. Tejas Tubular and our other outstanding private industry companies are learning that Nebraska has a quality workforce, good schools, safe communities, affordable homes and an unmatched quality of life. Nebraska is open for business."

According to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Tejas Tubular will apply for incentives under the Nebraska Advantage Tier six that requires a minimum investment of $109 million and 50 jobs. The company plans to hire more than 200 employees when they are fully operational. 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.

"Today is possible because the citizens of Norfolk have spoken. Through their votes, they said economic development and growth is a priority," said Mayor Sue Fuchtman. "Bringing Tejas Tubular to Norfolk is a monumental accomplishment for the community and all of northeast Nebraska. Our new industrial partner and its projected 200 employees will further cement Norfolk's role as a primary steel production community in the Midwest."

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.

In addition, Black Hills Energy has been working with the City 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 percent and connect to Northern Natural Gas Company's interstate pipeline, allowing northeast Nebraska to receive gas from multiple interstate pipelines.

"We live and work in the communities we serve and are committed to their growth and development," said Linn Evans, Black Hills Energy's president and chief operating officer of utilities. "We are pleased to welcome Tejas Tubular to Norfolk and look forward to the continued growth of the community with the addition of this new gas line."