Orange County, Texas, is in the midst of a major transformation, thanks to the substantial investments being made by major industrial projects like Golden Triangle Polymers, said Megan Romero Layne, executive director of the Orange County Economic Development Corporation.
“For a long time, most of the major projects happening in Southeast Texas were happening in Jefferson County,” Layne said. “Many companies long associated with Orange relocated to qualify for local sourcing obligations on those projects. Now that we have the biggest project in the region happening in Orange County, we’re seeing many of those companies move back.”
Spurring Business Expansion and Employment Opportunities in the Community
An example of this business migration to Orange County happened this year when two top companies headquartered out of Beaumont, Texas, opened local offices in Orange County to be competitive with the Golden Triangle Polymers project. Even though G&G Enterprises and H.B. Neild Construction are both native to Southeast Texas, they are considered “local” now that they’ve opened their Orange County offices and qualify for the Local First program.
Local First is a community economic and workforce development program that aims to place the Orange County and Golden Triangle region first when sourcing suppliers, vendors, and workforce for the project.
Jacquetta Alleman, Director of Marketing for H.B. Neild Construction, said her company has had roots in Orange dating back to 1932, but recently celebrated the opening of its new satellite office at 18770 Highway 62 South. The decision to open the Orange location was partly propelled by the Golden Triangle Polymers project and the fact that many of the company’s employees live in Orange County.
"Opening up a general services division in Orange is convenient for our employees and helps us serve the Orange County area better," she said.
The new H.B. Neild office will house staff members and serve as a satellite location to their Beaumont headquarters.
"With new businesses emerging across Orange County and major investments underway, the region is poised for continued growth, offering a wealth of employment opportunities and enhancing the local quality of life," Layne said.
Orange County’s Rebounding Economic Landscape
Orange County is experiencing a period of growth and economic development not seen in decades. Check out these other major projects happening in the area:
- Golden Triangle Polymers, a joint venture between Chevron Phillips Chemical and QatarEnergy, is a prime example of this growth. This $8.5 billion petrochemical plant is not only a testament to Orange County's prominence in the global market, but also a significant source of local job creation. This new facility will bring 4,500 construction jobs and 500 permanent positions to Southeast Texas.
- Entergy's $1 billion Orange County Advanced Power Station adds to the county's economic momentum. This project is projected to create approximately 7,000 construction jobs and 27 permanent positions, enhancing the region's energy capacity while contributing to long-term employment. "With approximately 7,000 construction jobs and 27 permanent positions expected, this investment will enhance the region's energy capacity while contributing to long-term employment," Layne said.
- The Tidal Grow Fertilizer Plant and Enterprise Products' ethane export terminal add to the county's diversified industrial landscape, bringing in additional jobs and solidifying Orange County's role as a key player in the energy export market.
- But the growth doesn't stop at industrial development. Orange County is also witnessing a boom in housing and commercial growth. "The approval and progress of nearly 1,500 new homes signals the county’s commitment to accommodating its growing population," Layne said.
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