Kilgore Economic Development Corporation

East Texas Location - Nationwide Access

During the past five years Kilgore Economic Development Corp. has closed projects that represent more than $150 million in new and retained capital investment and 2,800 jobs with companies such as Yamaha Marine (Skeeter Products) and Reynolds Packaging Group (Closure Systems International). The organization has invested more than $17 million in asset and infrastructure development including the expansion of Synergy Park, a Class-A, campus style, industrial park.

Corporate HQs in Kilgore include Martin Resource Management; Freedom Communication Technologies, a division of Astronics; Drilltools; Wagner Tuning US, a German-based automotive parts manufacturer; and the regional HQ for Yamaha Marine, Skeeter Boats.

In a recent survey, Kilgore employers said the availability of an appropriate workforce; location on Interstate 20; cost of utilities, especially electricity; and local support are the primary reasons they chose Kilgore as an operating location and why they are more profitable than competitors.

Kilgore is large enough with a budget big enough to offer excellent business services yet is small enough that CEOs often have the mayor’s cell phone number. In addition, KEDC board members have supported a full complement of staff that allows for excellent customer service before and after company relocations.