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Packaging manufacturer outlines Keene expansion, projects 40 initial jobs and larger growth
Summary
Don Hepburn, president of Texas Corrugated Box and Packaging, told the Keene EDC board he plans a two‑building operation in Keene with initial hiring of roughly 40 workers and potential growth to 150–200 jobs; board members discussed infrastructure, workforce and incentives.
Don Hepburn, president and owner of Texas Corrugated Box and Packaging, told the Keene Economic Development Corporation Type A board he is pursuing a Keene location and expects initial manufacturing to begin by early first quarter next year. "The machine will take about 4 to 6 months to get in," Hepburn said, and he projected construction would take "4 to 6 months" as well.
Hepburn described two separate facilities: a first building roughly 50,000 square feet designed to be expandable up to about 200,000 square feet and a second building roughly 125,000 square feet. He said the company focuses on corrugated paper packaging for perishable products and that Keene's access to Route 67 and regional highways makes logistics to Fort Worth and San Antonio attractive. "Being on the South Side Of Fort Worth gives me an hour advantage...an hour a day, 5 or 6 trips a day, can add up to a lot of time in a truck," Hepburn said.
On jobs and pay, Hepburn said the Keene facility would likely begin with about 40 employees and that, over 24–36 months as operations expand, the combined businesses could employ "between a 150 to 200 employees." He also cited an average pay figure at his Fort Worth operation of approximately $78,000.
Board members asked about timeline and specific space needs; Hepburn said separate buildings would be built for different product lines and that the corrugator and bag‑making lines would come online within the same quarter. Board members responded positively, noting the company's fit with Keene's growth strategy and the potential stabilization of local employment.
The board discussed infrastructure and permitting needs connected to industrial development more broadly during the meeting, including utility capacity, road improvements and a pending sewer-line contract associated with nearby development. The board later authorized the city manager to continue the process of selling industrial-park property, a procedural step related to attracting industry to the site.
The EDC did not commit specific incentives during the meeting; Hepburn's statements outlined projected timing, scale and hiring expectations. The board will consider next steps in future sessions.
