LSCO partners with Optimus Steel on expansion

Lamar State College Orange partnered with the Orange County Economic Development Corporation in enticing Optimus Steel to expand in Orange County.

Now the college in downtown Orange is announcing it’s ready to partner with the company to help it staff up.

“We are thrilled that Optimus Steel has chosen to expand its footprint in Orange County,” LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson said.

“LSCO is committed to providing an educated and skilled workforce in the community for companies like Optimus Steel. We are eager to continue discussions on how to partner, not only to ensure a skilled workforce for Optimus Steel, but also to ensure that its employees and their families feel connected to the community.”

Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $40 million expansion decision by Optimus Steel, which bought the old Cargill Steel mill located on the Orange County side of the Neches River from Gerdau SA in 2018.

A $485,000 grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund, on top of a six-year tax abatement agreement with Orange County, will help bring a new rebar line and coil handling facility.

The new facility will also bring 55 new jobs to the area.

For about a year, LSCO and OCEDC worked closely with Optimus Steel to discuss expansion of educational program opportunities to ensure a workforce should the company decide to expand in Orange County.

“The EDC’s partnership with LSCO to provide value to companies looking for economic growth and investment in Orange County is a winning combination,” said Jessica Hill, executive director of the OCEDC.

“We’re excited to work with Optimus Steel to assist their expansion in the county.”

LSCO’s Johnson relishes the opportunity for more such efforts.

“The future in Orange is bright with these kinds of educational partnerships in our region,” he said. “We congratulate Optimus Steel and look forward to continuing to work together.”