Soil testing has begun at the future site of Tianjin Pipe Co.'s Gregory plant, marking another step toward realizing a $1 billion investment that will energize a 252-acre patch of San Patricio County with fringe benefits for the entire region.
The testing gives the company a detailed snapshot of the ground below to gauge what will be needed to support the facility's foundation when construction begins, spokeswoman Leah Olivarri said.
The site — dubbed the Texas Mill by TPCO — will produce seamless pipe, the type used as casing and lining in oil and gas production.
During a recent visit, company officials met with Coastal Bend leaders, state officials in Austin including state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, and with U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, in Washington, D.C.
Construction will take up to two years and the company wants the plant to be operational by 2013.
A start date hasn't been scheduled for construction, but Olivarri said the company would like to begin in late summer or fall.
There also isn't a definite time when hiring for construction or operations will begin. The facility will create 300 jobs during the first year, with more employees hired during the second and third years, and peaking at 600 new jobs, according to a company fact sheet.
Among TPCO's planning activities is ensuring the labor pool is ready for the range of jobs the facility will offer.
Company officials believe a benefit of locating in the Coastal Bend is the existence of an able workforce that has technical skills and opportunities for training, Olivarri said.
"They certainly understand there will be a need to train people and they're prepared to work with the local institutions to train specifically on their equipment and their processes," she said.
TPCO has worked with Workforce Solutions and other entities in preparation, Olivarri said.
Other planning activities also are under way as the company must make sure water, wastewater, electricity and natural gas services are available at the site.
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