Friday, April 19, 2024
The Australian company that will build a plant in Cresson and employ hundreds of people is Wagners Composite Fiber Technologies (CFT).
The Hood County News reported on the plant late last month but did not reveal the company’s name due to the sensitive nature of pending economic development deals.
However, the deal is now official, and plans for a plant on 12 acres off U.S. Highway 377 near Bluebonnet Hills have been formally announced by both Wagners CFT and the Parker County Economic Development Council, which played a role in the negotiations.
Construction will begin immediately, and business operations are expected to begin at the site by the end of the year.
A press release issued by Wagners stated that the company has pioneered the use of fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) in pedestrian, marine and electrical infrastructure, focusing primarily on pedestrian bridges, boardwalks and marine piers. Its “structural members” are lightweight, yet stronger than steel and are “completely resistant to rot, rust and corrosion,” the announcement stated, providing a 100-year design life.
The company said that the Cresson plant will provide building materials that will reduce costs and the carbon footprint of infrastructure in Texas and the broader United States.
The facility is expected to generate more than 300 jobs in the first 10 years, according to a press release issued by the Parker County EDC. Parker County Judge Pat Deen told the HCN that although the plant will be in Parker County, Hood County will undoubtedly benefit from its economic impact.
The Cresson City Council approved the project zoning at its regular meeting on March 23. Cresson Mayor Teena Putteet Conway is thrilled that Wagners is coming to Cresson.
“The impact to the job market alone is beyond wonderful,” she said.
kcruz@hcnews.com | 817-579-1886
