A rapidly expanding manufacturer of counter tops will occupy a 30,000 square foot building at the Houston Industrial Park on West Highway 17.
The announcement came Monday from Jim Drewel, a principal in Counter Tops LLC, which will hire 25 new workers. Drewel said the manufacturer’s payroll will offer opportunities currently not plentiful in this area: skilled jobs that utilize specialized technology. Applications are available at the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce on South Sam Houston Blvd.
A native of Licking who moved back home about seven years ago, Dewel has operated from quarters there for about 25 months. The company has seen success in its commercial and residential markets for solid surface, granite and marble products and desperately needed additional space.
“This is a good deal for us, and I think it will be good for the Houston community,” said Drewel. who singled out Texas County Presiding Commissioner Don Shelhammer and Houston Economic Development Director Ron Reed for their assistance during the last six months, which culminated with Monday’s announcement. “A lot of people have worked to make this happen,” he said, noting that the city’s IDA had also been supportive.
The Industrial Development Authority of Houston constructed the structure, where a concrete floor was poured last week in advance of occupancy. The building is the last spot available at the park, which saw its first tenant when the Durham Co. located there. Today, Houston Sportswear and Opportunity Sheltered Industries also operate there.
About $1.5 million in equipment is expected to arrive within the next three weeks. The firm has signed a 10-year lease with production to begin in the next six weeks to two months, said Drewel, who noted he was anxious to begin work.
The firm does jobs throughout the country, and it was earlier selected to do some work at the Texas County Justice Center.