Lufkin,Texas Welcomes Francis Innovation Operations (FIO)!
Lufkin Economic Development Corporation announces the approval of an economic incentive to Francis Innovation Operations (FIO). The company will build and operate a new state-of-the-art U.S. domestic facility for the manufacture of nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves are considered foundational devices in the medical community and are one of the most widely used PPE’s when it comes to any type of disease, let alone a pandemic. FIO is committing to spend a minimum of $30 million on the facility and hiring at least 100 full time employees. FIO is a woman-owned small business that is a part of the Francis family group, whose companies have engineered and manufactured 100% USA made products for over 40 years.
FIO has offices in Texas and Louisiana.
The LEDC board unanimously approved the following incentives in accordance with the City Tax Abatement Guidelines. Ad Valorem tax abatement of 100% for 10-years, $4,000 per FTE up to 100 and approximately 10 acres of land in the Industrial Park. FIO must invest a minimum of $30,000,000 and hire a minimum of 100 FTE in exchange for the economic incentives.
“FIO has over 40 years of successful business experience and family leadership. Lufkin is honored to have been selected by the company as the location of this patent pending technology. Our City continues to showcase the attributes of our geographical location and the strong regional support from surrounding counties workforce” said Bob Samford, Director of Lufkin Economic Development Corporation.
“FIO is pleased to announce our state-of-the-art facility will be in Lufkin, Texas. We chose Lufkin because of the central location, competitive economic incentives and unique opportunity to be located in a Foreign Trade Zone. Bob Samford and his team did an outstanding job of representing the city and we are excited about being in Lufkin.” said, Jordan Schupbach Executive VP of FIO.
