LONGVIEW, Texas — The economy of Longview is growing. Just this week, multiple businesses announced expansions or new locations in the East Texas city.
"With Peltier Ford in Longview, we’re expanding again," said Peltier Auto Group Vice President Patrick Peltier.
On Tuesday, the auto group opened up a temporary Ford dealership location off South Spur 63 and South Street. They will be leasing this building for two years as they build a new facility off Highway 259 in north Longview.
"We think it’ll bring upwards of 100 jobs," Peltier said.
Renderings shared by Peltier paint a picture of what the new location will look like. Construction should start within the next six months.
"We’re so excited to be expanding into Longview, which is growing right now," Peltier said.
On Monday, Eastman Chemical Company announced that it will add an additional manufacturing facility at its existing site in Longview.
"It was a very competitive site selection process, I believe there were three or four other states involved," said Longview Economic Development Corp. President Wayne Mansfield.
The new Eastman facility is expected to be operating within the next couple of years. This project will mark the single largest capital investment in the history of Longview.
"One billion dollars of capital investment, creation of over 200 new jobs and those average salaries will be around $100,000 a year," Mansfield said. "You’re talking about expansion of the tax banks, 200 new jobs and with those salaries will bring new housing, which will bring new retail opportunities."
Last week, Schulman Theatres said they plan on opening Film Alley, which will be in the former Regal Longview Theater on North Eastman Road. Work is already happening inside and outside the building. Renovations will include eight theaters, axe throwing, bowling and an arcade.
