What you need to know
Lefko USA Inc. will be operating in a 70,000-square-foot facility at 2625 Goodwin Lane. The facility will serve customers in Mexico and the Southern United States area and manufacture custom blow-molded plastic parts, components and products, as previously reported by Community Impact.
The company’s expansion will create over 150 new, full-time jobs and generate more than $15 million in capital investment. Lefko Plastics was also offered a $19,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus, according to a news release.
Lefko Plastics also received a Texas Enterprise Fund, or TEF, grant of $968,500, after the New Braunfels City Council approved a resolution nominating the company for the state’s Enterprise Zone Program designation Aug. 25, as previously reported by Community Impact.
The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is a state economic development tool that provides a rebate of state use and sales tax for companies that meet certain investment and employment thresholds, said Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development for the city of New Braunfels.
Along with incentives from the state, Lefko Plastics also received an incentive not to exceed $950,000 from the city of New Braunfels.
Lefko CEO Eric Blondeau said the company is proud to grow its operations in New Braunfels and Texas.
“Texas’ commitment to advanced manufacturing and its central location give us the competitive advantage we need to serve both national and global markets. The collaboration with New Braunfels city leaders and the state of Texas made the difference in our final choice, and we look forward to a long and successful future here,” Blondeau said in the release.
What state officials are saying
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the $15 million investment by Lefko will create good-paying jobs for Texans.
“Texas manufacturers keep industries moving forward,” Abbott said in the release. “Thanks to our skilled and growing workforce, easy access to domestic and international markets and the best business climate in America, ‘Made in Texas’ has never been a more powerful global brand.”
State Rep. Carrie Isaac said in the release that the company’s decision to make New Braunfels home to its first U.S. manufacturing facility is a “tremendous blessing” for the region.
What local officials are saying
Comal County Commissioner Kevin Webb said the county is proud to collaborate with the New Braunfels Chamber to support Lefko’s expansion.
“This investment not only brings quality manufacturing jobs to our community but also reinforces Comal County’s role as a strategic nexus for manufacturers seeking to innovate, expand and succeed in our region,” Webb said in the release.
Shane Hines, board president of New Braunfels’ Economic Development Corporation, said Lefko’s decision was a tremendous win for the community.
“These new manufacturing jobs are possible thanks to the strong partnership and support from the city of New Braunfels, Comal County and the state of Texas,” Hines said in the release.
