South Korean glass bead manufacturer Shinil is to build its first US factory in Henderson, Texas, the Henderson Economic Development Corp. (HEDCO) announced 11 May 2004. The USD 1 million plant employ…
South Korean glass bead manufacturer Shinil is to build its first US factory in Henderson, Texas, the Henderson Economic Development Corp. (HEDCO) announced 11 May 2004. The USD 1 million plant employing 125 will be located on a 20 acre (8 hectare) plot in the city industrial park. Shinil produces micro beads used to make reflective paint for road signs and highway marking. The company hopes to eventually double the size of the proposed 60,000 sq ft (5574 sq meter) plant. The Texas facility will make beads for the company“s American customers as well as markets in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, HEDCO manager Sue Henderson said. Building work is expected to take about two months, and Shinil has already brought manufacturing equipment in Henderson. HEDCO worked on bringing Shinil to Henderson from early March 2004. At that time, the governor“s economic development office asked HEDCO to provide a proposal to the company. Ms. Henderson said the company was interested in locating in the city, but wanted cheaper electricity to help reduce furnace running costs. HEDCO was able to develop a plan with electricity supplier AEP/SWEPCO to help the company get lower rates. Union Pacific railroad also helped attract Shinil to Henderson by agreeing to build a train spur for deliveries of cullet, Ms. Henderson said.