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Longview MSA economy is continuing to diversify

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The Longview, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—encompassing Gregg, Harrison, Rusk, and Upshur counties—has shifted from a traditional oil and gas hub into a diversified center for manufacturing, logistics and advanced technology.

The most significant impact in the Longview area has come from major household brands establishing massive regional hubs and existing anchors making “re-investments” that function like new headquarters-level operations.

1. Gap Inc. (Customer Experience Center)

One of the most significant arrivals in recent history is Gap Inc., which opened an 850,000-square-foot state-of-the-art distribution and fulfillment center in Longview.

  • Impact: This project represented a $140 million investment and has created over 500 full-time jobs, with plans to scale to 1,000+ by 2026.

     

  • Strategic Role: This facility serves as a “Customer Experience Center” specifically for Old Navy’s online business, using advanced robotics to process up to one million units per day.

     

2. Eastman Chemical Company (Molecular Recycling)

In early 2024, Governor Greg Abbott announced a massive new investment by Eastman at its existing Longview site. While Eastman has been in the region for decades, this new project is a “relocation” of advanced technology and capital to the area.

 

  • Impact: A $1.2 billion capital investment to build a world-scale molecular recycling facility.

     

  • Jobs: The project is expected to create 200 high-paying full-time jobs and approximately 1,000 temporary construction jobs.

     

3. Ninth Avenue Foods

In late 2025, California-based beverage producer Ninth Avenue Foods announced plans to establish a new manufacturing operation in Longview’s North Business Park.

 

  • Impact: An over $200 million project to build a new production facility.

     

  • Jobs: It is expected to create 150 jobs over the next five years, further diversifying the region’s food processing sector.

     

4. Komatsu (Regional Headquarters/Mother Plant)

Global mining and construction giant Komatsu recently completed a significant consolidation and expansion of its Longview campus (2023–2024).

 

  • Impact: A $100 million investment that consolidated functions from six different buildings into a single, energy-efficient 56,000-square-foot office and administration building.

  • Significance: This move effectively designated the Longview site as a “Mother Plant” for the company’s global mining business, housing R&D, design, and manufacturing on one campus.

5. Peregrine Energy Solutions

A major win for Harrison County (part of the Longview MSA) was the announcement by Peregrine Energy Solutions to build a battery energy storage facility.

 

  • Impact: A $400 million investment, making it one of the largest private investments in the county’s history.

Summary of Recent Major Moves

Company Sector Investment Est. Jobs
Eastman Chemical/Recycling $1.2 Billion 200
Peregrine Energy Energy Storage $400 Million N/A
Ninth Avenue Foods Food/Bev Mfg $200 Million 150
Gap Inc. Logistics/E-commerce $140 Million 500 – 1,000
Komatsu Advanced Mfg $100 Million 230 (Office)

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