American SpiralWeld Pipe was named Small Employer of the Year at the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) 25th Annual Workforce Conference held November 30 – December 2 in Dallas.
American SpiralWeld Pipe was nominated by Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas and chosen as the Small Employer of the Year from among three exemplary finalists, out of 28 small employers nominated. All nominees were recognized for contributions to their community’s workforce through innovation and collaboration with their Texas Workforce Solutions partner.
American SpiralWeld Pipe expanded operations to Paris TX, with a new multi-million dollar 290,000 square foot facility located on a 140 acre site. The Paris facility houses the latest in water pipe manufacturing and coating technology, and began operations in the first quarter of 2021. During the first year of operation, the company added 95 new jobs to the community and employs over 140 today. The company was also recently awarded the Outstanding Industrial Property Appearance from the City of Paris, and the Annual Industrial Appreciation Award from the Paris Economic Development Corporation.
Maureen Hammond, Executive Director of the Paris Economic Development Corporation, states, “American SpiralWeld has quickly become one of the most impactful economic development projects in Paris, Texas, despite having only been in operation for two years. Current employment and investment levels will produce an estimated total direct, indirect, and induced economic impact of over half a billion dollars over the next ten years. We are so pleased that Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas recognized the American SpiralWeld contribution and made the nomination to the Texas Workforce Commission. American SpiralWeld certainly deserves this most prestigious award.”
American SpiralWeld Pipe has been an excellent partner for Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas, and the workforce system as a whole. American SpiralWeld Pipe partners with the workforce system to recruit new employees and participate in hiring events. The company participated in the Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas 2021 Teacher Externship program, hosting the welding instructor from Detroit High School. They also participated in the Career Connection Spotlight video series, which highlights area employers and their hiring efforts.
As indicated by Bart Spivey, with Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas, “American SpiralWeld is a great partner for Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas. The company has been integral in several of our initiatives for students and career seekers in the region. The services provided by the workforce system are only impactful through partnerships with great companies like American SpiralWeld Pipe. We were honored to nominate them for this award and excited they were selected as Small Employer of the Year for the state of Texas.”
American SpiralWeld Pipe has proven themselves as a great place for people to work. Included in the monthly employee newsletter, are employee birthdays, anniversaries, and an employee of the month. The company’s Core Values Committee, is made up of workers, and is designed to create programs and events to strengthen employee support and engagement. The group planned a family day event and one year celebration.
Although the company has only been in operation for a little more than a year, they already play a strong role in the local community. The company and its employees support several community groups and events including Red River Valley Syndrome, Raising of the Flags, Stockings for Seniors, United Way Foundation, Kiwanis Club, and Casa for Kids. Plant management also creates and distributes a monthly employee newsletter, highlighting upcoming community events.
“We are humbled and honored to accept this award on behalf of American SpiralWeld”, commented Patrick Hook – Vice President of Operations, “however, this award truly belongs to all involved including American, the City of Paris and the PEDC, Lamar County and Workforce Solutions Northeast Texas. Our expansion project is a great example of what can be accomplished when all parties work together towards a shared goal. At American, we don’t just strive to be great pipe makers. We want to be difference makers. We hope to be a valued partner in this community for years to come.”
