Linde Process Plants will invest $2.4 million to expand its existing fabrication facility into a two-story, 13,000 square-foot structure, located at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. The project includes construction of a new office building and the expansion of a trial fitting area.

Steve Bertone, CEO/President of LPP said, "We are pleased to be at the forefront of plant modularization and these upgrades will yield even more opportunities to develop and streamline our processes." The new facility will be located across the street in close proximity to fabrication activity. Bertone explained the added space allows for future staff growth and the new location provides a more effective, safe environment for fabrication.

Before shipping completed modules to customers, LPP conducts a trial fit to ensure the modules have been fabricated according to specifications. Relocating office workers to a new site allows for more room to trial fit modules, adding efficiency and improving overall productivity, said Eric Sandefur, Director of Manufacturing. "The expansion will allow for improved productivity, quality control measures and most importantly safety".

The new building will include state-of-the-art safe rooms, providing a safe haven for office workers. An existing safe room is already established in the separate workshop for employees located there. The projected completion date for the new structure is June 2015.

"Employing over 400 people, Linde Process Plants plays an integral role in the Tulsa region's economic success," said Mike Neal, President/CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber. "Linde's expansion paves the way for job growth and increased impact on the region."

"We are very proud to have Linde Process Plants as a member of our industrial family," said Bob Portiss, Port Director, Tulsa Port of Catoosa. "One of the key factors attributable to their success and the principal reason they located at the Port is the availability of barge, rail, and truck transportation services to move the large modular units they build. They are the epitome of the type of industry within the Tulsa Region that benefits from the Port."

The 2,500-acre Tulsa Port of Catoosa complex offers industrial sites for lease, and its Riverview Business Park, adjacent to the Port, offers property for sale. Together they are home to more than 66 companies employing nearly 4,000 employees. LPP's Port of Catoosa operation includes both manufacturing operations as well as office personnel such as workshop management, project management, workshop safety, quality control group and administrative staff. The company presently employs approximately 140 people at the Port of Catoosa location, with plans to increase that number to 160 by the end of the year.