Universal Fabricating, one of Canada’s premier metal fabricators, has announced plans to expand into Lamar County, Texas.
“We are thrilled to be joining the Paris community and to be creating meaningful jobs for the people of Lamar County and surrounding areas,” stated Neil Harms, President of Universal. “We hope that our innovative approach to fabrication will bring skilled trade jobs and build long lasting careers for the people of this great community. We are very grateful for the efforts of the Paris Economic Development Corporation for making this happen. They guided us along every step of the way and went above and beyond to showcase the community’s assets.”
Universal Fabricating Inc. (Universal), a family-owned business, headquartered in Kingsville, Ontario, Canada, is acquiring an existing manufacturing facility in Lamar County to better serve its customers and grow its business. Universal specializes in the development, manufacturing, and installation of turn-key greenhouse structures as well as the manufacturing of automation equipment for the automotive, airport and logistics industries.
“We are honored to join Neil and Universal in this project announcement,” said PEDC Executive Director Maureen Hammond. “This project has been in the works for well over a year and was a collaborative effort between the PEDC and the Lamar County Commissioners’ Court. Universal’s investment will have a tremendous impact on the local economy with 100 new high-wage jobs, bringing an estimated annual payroll of $6 million, and a total projected economic impact of $300 million over the next 10 years.”
The new facility will enable Universal to more effectively serve the greenhouse, automotive, airport and logistics markets in the United States and Mexico. The organization is purchasing and renovating a 175,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in nearby Sumner, Texas. This development will include investments in property, plant, and equipment of over $16 million in phase 1.
“We are excited to welcome Universal to Lamar County,” said PEDC Chairman Josh Bray. “Their proven execution of investing in state-of-the-art equipment, modernized facilities and an exceptional workplace culture all align with the Paris EDC’s vision to recruit and retain quality jobs. Universal’s planned investment and highly technical positions, estimated at an annual average wage of $60,000, will positively impact the families of Paris and Lamar County for years to come.”
“Our organization has been built on hard work and superb culture through the years and we hope to bring that same mentality to the community of Paris,” said Neil Harms. The facility will be completely renovated from top to bottom, including all new energy efficient paneling on the exterior, painting of all interior columns and a complete renovation of employee facilities and washrooms.
For more information, please contact Lauren Trejo at the PEDC at (903) 784-6964 or ltrejo@paristexasusa.com.
