Lock Joint Tube (LJT), a mechanical grade steel tubing manufacturer based in Indiana with locations in Ohio, Texas and Tennessee, has announced plans to grow its existing facility in Temple. Currently located on Eberhart Road, LJT will expand its footprint by 37,500 square feet pending final negotiations with Temple EDC, the City of Temple, and Bell County.
The $21 million investment will create more than 30 new positions with a competitive wage and benefits included. LJT will double output capacity with this expansion, accommodating 20 to 25 trucks daily — strengthening the company’s presence in Temple’s robust manufacturing sector.
“Temple has a business-friendly environment that has enabled Lock Joint Tube to develop a strong foothold in the area with multiple expansions,” said Mark Richner, plant manager for LJT. “This project is no different. The Temple Economic Development Corporation was the first entity we reached out to for support thanks to the help they’ve provided in the past.”
LJT primarily produces steel tubing for store fixtures, office/school furniture and fencing. As a mechanical grade tubing supplier, LJT services fabricators and distributors, as well as original equipment manufacturers with different sized and shaped steel tubing used in such diverse industries as solar, automotive, office furniture, health care, exercise, and display fixtures.
“We are proud to support another Lock Joint Tube expansion in Temple,” said Adrian Cannady, president and CEO of Temple Economic Development Corporation. “LJT’s presence and growth has helped to strengthen Temple’s manufacturing industry for decades.”
The expanded facility will tap into Temple’s skilled workforce of over 6,500 manufacturing employees. Between 2010 and 2020, the industry has seen a 28.4% increase in employment. Initiatives like Manufacturing Day, Texas State Technical College’s workforce training programs and a skilled veteran community from the nearby Fort Hood keep the industry growing.
Companies in Temple such as LJT also benefit from easy access across North American markets by interstate, railroads, air, or by water. Located in Texas, which has no personal, state or corporate income tax, Temple offers a low cost of doing business and ample shovel-ready sites.
The company plans for the expanded facility to be operational by January 2023.