Webco Industries to expand manufacturing operations at Port Muskogee

Webco Industries will grow its Oklahoma manufacturing operations at the Port Muskogee Industrial Park. The project upgrades an existing port facility and will create up to 10 new jobs within six months. The company makes carbon and stainless-steel tubing products from its Sand Springs headquarters.

Webco and Port Muskogee will jointly invest in upgrading the port-owned building and equipment. Port officials said the project returns specialized steel-processing equipment to productive use. The site connects directly to the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System for barge shipping.

Webco started in Oklahoma in 1969. The company supplies the automotive, energy, power generation, agriculture, and construction industries. It employs over 1,100 workers in Oklahoma and 1,500 nationwide.

“Port Muskogee offers the multimodal infrastructure and strategic location we need to efficiently serve our customers and support future growth,” said Donnie Holder, Webco’s Vice President of Strategic Sourcing & Global Trade Affairs. “This facility allows us to expand our steel processing capabilities while building on our long history of manufacturing in Oklahoma.”

The port slitter plant processes heavy-gauge steel along the Oklahoma waterway network. Port Muskogee said steel accounts for 35 percent to 45 percent of its annual freight tonnage. The new facility will expand steel-related cargo volume along the river corridor.

The 445-mile navigation channel gives manufacturers year-round barge transit to 20 states and global seaports. Port Muskogee said barge shipping provides a fuel-efficient and dependable alternative to trucking. Water transport avoids seasonal and capacity bottlenecks common on highways and railways.

“Webco is an exceptional company with a strong reputation in Oklahoma,” said Kimbra Scott, Executive Director of Port Muskogee. “This partnership puts a unique Port-owned industrial asset back into productive use, creates new local jobs, and grows steel-related freight activity supported by the multimodal infrastructure of Port Muskogee.”

Port Muskogee said the project reflects the Muskogee City-Council Port Authority’s focus on industry partnerships. The agency works to maximize existing facilities and create long-term economic growth. More hiring opportunities may follow.

Inland port authorities manage public shipping terminals and industrial land for commercial logistics. These public agencies maintain cargo facilities to support domestic and international freight movement. Waterway navigation systems allow industrial manufacturers to transport heavy bulk goods efficiently.

The partnership provides Webco with expanded multimodal transportation access across the Muskogee area. Port leaders expect the venture to strengthen manufacturing supply chains across the region.