Metal Manufacturing

Companies in Kilgore
  • Drilltools
  • Communication & Power Industries (CPI)
  • McClung Energy Services
  • Merritt Preferred Components
  • Cleveland Steel Container
  • Skeeter Products

Manufacturing is one of the largest industries by employment in Kilgore, with more than 23% of the workforce employed in the goods-producing sector. The sector is driven by a strength in skilled trades and workers that have clear skill transferability to other machine operator and metalworking occupations. 

Manufacturing employment is concentrated in four industries: fabricated metal products, primary metals, machinery, and chemicals. Occupational strengths include a highly skilled workforce with a large number of skilled welders, machinists, production workers and machine operators. 

Location Advantages

Geographic Location
An advantageous Northeast Texas location with accessibility to major traffic arteries (I-20 and US 259/59)
Low Cost of Utilities
Regulated electric power integrated with generation
Local Support
Partnerships with Kilgore EDC and the City of Kilgore foster business growth.

Industry Spotlight

1.3%
Percentage of total employment compared to US at .7%
1.79
LQ for Metal and Product Manufacturing
1.87
LQ for welding occupations
1.2%
Industry share of total GDP compared to US at .7%
Local Success
DRILLTOOLS
"Kilgore’s history as a major energy center has produced a skill set that transfers well into other metal fabrication applications"
Chris Thompson, Director of Manufacturing Operations