LeTourneau, Inc. will invest over $25 million in Longview during 2006, according to John Stroud, executive director of the Longview Economic Development Corp.

The company met with the LEDCO board of directors today to review plans to increase production in their steel plant for LeTourneau offshore, self-elevating drilling rigs. The plant in Longview produces mining and timber equipment, alloy steel and steel plate, and various drilling rig components. Thirty-five (35) new machines and four new buildings will be constructed to facilitate the expansion.

Longview now has the highest employment level in its history with 3,300 more jobs than at this time a year ago. Business, according to Stroud, is very, very good and almost all manufacturers are hiring. The LeTourneau expansion will require machinists and other skilled people.