A Tulsa mainstay in advanced manufacturing opens an expansion at the Port of Catoosa.
Linde Engineering North America, or LENA, makes pipes and fittings for oil, gas and other firms. The company spent $2.7 million to add 13,000 square feet of office space.
President Steve Bertone said they also expanded the area to assemble and test products before sending them out, making off-site workers' jobs safer.
"They're not working to try and fit things at height. We know they fit," Bertone said. "And it also is more economical for us because we know that it works here, and going out into the field is just stacking things together rather than piecemealing pipe and fittings."
LENA does a lot of business with energy companies. Bertone said other industries are picking up the slack with oil and gas prices down.
"Hydrogen, air separation and also petrochemicals — they really thrive because the low cost of oil and gas provides them a low-cost raw material to make their products and add value to their companies," Bertone said. "So, the other parts of the company are doing very well at this point in time."
Brian Paschal with the Tulsa Regional Chamber said advanced manufacturing is a leading growth industry, and the region is on pace for 1,500 jobs in it.
"Our focus and emphasis in manufacturing is a key, important priority for us," Paschal said. "It's a strategic priority, and when we look at the growth of our region, it is at the heart of where we know our growth is going to be."
LENA has about 100 workers at the Port of Catoosa and about 350 in the Tulsa region.
