The Durham Co. plans to complete a 16,000 square foot expansion to its north plant at the Houston Industrial Park on West Highway 17.
Manager Richard Peterson made the announcement this week during a luncheon meeting of the Houston Area Chamber of Commerce. The Durham Co. occupied the 50,000 square foot plant in 2005. The firm, which manufactures pad-mounted electrical equipment, came to the park in 1994 in a 30,000 square foot building to the south that was later expanded by 36,000 square feet in 2000. Both plants employ about 175. Employment numbers have grown by about 20 this year. Its headquarters is situated at Lebanon.
Peterson said an improvement in the economy had left the company without enough fabrication and assembly space.
The addition, which is under contract to Gentry Construction Co. Inc. of Houston, is slated to be completed by early to mid-September, Peterson said.
Peterson said the firm’s expansion is exciting. “This opens up more opportunities for us,” he said. The company makes a variety of products, and most recently started manufacturing a product related to rail communications.
The news from the Durham Co. came in the same week that the City of Houston said discussions were underway with a firm for space at a Spruce Street industrial building. An incentive package will be discussed next week by a council committee before a final decision by the full Houston City Council on Monday, May 19.
Talks also continue related to an empty building at the Houston Industrial Park that once housed a counter top manufacturer. Owned by the Industrial Development Authority of Houston, the 30,000 square foot building is sought by a company that continues to work on a financial package as part of its operating plan.
PDFs: Durham through the years