Lufkin Approves Multi-Million-Dollar Tech Hub: New Manufacturing Headquarters Set to Transform City

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – "Tonight I'll present the council with Project Victory, now renamed NEXIO," stated Bob Samford, who serves as the director of Lufkin’s Economic Development Corporation.

The Lufkin City Council has endorsed an agreement between the Lufkin Economic Development Corporation and tech company NEXIO.

"We're extremely delighted that they selected Lufkin; we were competing with other states and cities," Samford stated.

As stated on their site, NEXIO offers eco-friendly and efficient options for commercial vehicles using alternate fuel types such as propane, renewable propane, and hydrogen.

Propane is partially derived from the refining process of natural gas. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that Texas accounted for approximately 27% of the country’s natural gas production in 2024. In a statement released to the media, NEXIO'S CEO Gary Winemasters remarked, "Given that Texas generates most of this energy source, it makes perfect sense for us to establish ourselves here."

"The assembly of engines, the integration of transmissions, and the lifting operations for trucks will now be managed from their new headquarters in Lufkin, Texas," Samford stated.

Samford mentioned that NEXIO will enter into a 15-year contract and lease arrangement with the LEDC. Throughout this timeframe, the firm will reimburse the city $10 million, which covers the expenses of constructing the facility for their new headquarters. Additionally, NEXIO has committed to generating 300 job opportunities within five years.

“Both NEXIO’s requirements and those of our workforce in East Texas have been met,” Samford stated.

The corporation's main offices will be located within Lufkin’s Business Park District. NEXIO is among the several enterprises that LEDC has attracted to the city through their Foreign Trade Zone program.

LEDC aims to enhance the long-term economic prosperity of the community for future generations.

“I have consistently aimed, as the executive director, to generate long-term employment opportunities that secure a prosperous future for our youth,” Samford stated.

After receiving the design plans from NEXIO, Samford states that they will search for a contractor to handle the project.

It was approved unanimously by the city’s 4-B EDC Board in April.