LEDA Announced 40 New Jobs

The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) announced the creation of 40 new jobs and more than $17 million in capital investment as well as the establishment of the Lubbock Coding Academy at a press conference Wednesday afternoon. 

As a leading manufacturer for High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, WL Plastics Corporation selected Lubbock to be its 9th manufacturing plant in the U.S. The company, which produces pipe for the oil, gas and water markets, will manufacture pipe from its new facility at Rail Port. The new building will be approximately 50,000 square feet with an anticipated 50 rail cars arriving every month with raw materials for production. The investment totals $17 million for the facility with an estimated 40 new, full-time positions. 

“WL Plastics is excited to add operations in Lubbock, as we expand our manufacturing capacity in Texas,” said Mark Wason, CEO of WL Plastics Corporation. “Lubbock is a great fit for our company to better serve our customers with a skilled workforce, as well as good transportation and distribution logistics. Lubbock is an excellent location for our employees, offering quality educational opportunities, diversified commerce and high-quality medical care. For all these reasons, Lubbock is a great fit for our company’s expansion.” 

In addition to WL Plastics Corporation, LEDA announced a partnership with South Plains College, Texas Tech University, and Austin Coding Academy, to open the Lubbock Coding Academy in the Spring of 2019. To meet the growing demand for technical skills in coding, LEDA and its educational partners will use developmental training to address the programming needs of regional businesses. 

“Austin Coding Academy is very happy to partner with LEDA, TTU, and SPC in order to provide computer programming education to the people of Lubbock and to supply Lubbock businesses with talented developers,” said Chris Lofton, CEO of Austin Coding Academy. 

Classes for the 9-month program will be offered in the new South Plains College Lubbock Center. The curriculum will range in skill including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. 

“Lubbock is expanding its local industry sectors and collaborating with partners to equip our workforce with the technical skills needed in today’s business climate,” said John Osborne, CEO and president of the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance. “The addition of WL Plastics and the Lubbock Coding Academy supports the fact that our economy is dynamic and diversified.” 

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LEDA Announced 40 New Jobs, More Than $17M in Capital Investment & the Lubbock Coding Academy

“The growth here has been consistent and I think you will find that Lubbock is a great place to be.”

Latrelle Joy
Lubbock Councilwoman