The Lubbock Economic Development Alliance on Wednesday announced planned expansions of two Lubbock manufacturing businesses, bringing millions of dollars in capital investment and more than 100 jobs to the Hub City.

TrueNorth Steel and WL Plastics both announced their intentions to expand current operations in Lubbock.

WL Plastics is planning to add a second manufacturing plant to its location at the Lubbock Rail Port, which would create around 95 new jobs and a $40 million investment. The Fort Worth-based company is the leading manufacturer of high-density polyethylene pipe in North America with facilities nationwide, according to LEDA.

"It's been a great location for us here in Lubbock for our first facility," said Erik Balthrop, finance and procurement manager at WL Plastics. "It's a great environment, so we want to capitalize on that with our upcoming expansion."

"The workforce has proven to be exceptional here in Lubbock, and that in our business is key," Balthrop added. "We're facing challenges at some of our locations, just like a lot of other industries, but in Lubbock that has not been the case."

Fargo, North Dakota-based TrueNorth Steel is also planning to expand its Lubbock operations, adding an additional manufacturing line to its Lubbock plant which produces steel construction materials. The expansion is a $1.6 million investment which will add 38 jobs to the community.

"TrueNorth Steel is committed to expanding our presence in the Lubbock community," said TrueNorth's Lubbock site operations director Zeb Baird. "At TrueNorth Steel, we're investing not only in equipment and facilities — we're investing in the people of Lubbock and West Texas."

LEDA CEO and president John Osborne is excited to see the businesses expand to continue to bring Lubbock-made products to the nation.

"If you've ever walked up the staircase (at Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences), you've walked on some steel that was built by the employees at TrueNorth Steel here in our community. Many of you take a drink of water from our taps, and you drank water that came through the pipes of WL Plastics," Osborne said. "Our manufacturing community is so vital to our economy. They're making things with their hands and machines that are impactful to not just our community, but to all of our nation."

Mayor Tray Payne echoed those sentiments.

"(The) workforce out here is incredible, and people out here work hard. That is what we're known for, and I'm so proud of that in our community. I'm glad that we can partner with you all as you come alongside us, and we want to come alongside you as well," Payne told the companies' representatives.