CLAREMORE —
Christmas came early to Rogers County with Wednesday’s announcement that Baker Hughes would be expanding its Claremore plant, forecasting the creation of nearly 670 new jobs over the next decade.
“We believe this is probably the single largest economic development in the state of Oklahoma in 2010,” said Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Metro Chamber. “I’m proud to share with you that Baker Hughes has been accepted into Oklahoma Quality Jobs Program, and will add up to 667 new jobs in the area, the majority of which should be in Claremore and northeast Oklahoma.
“In addition, Baker Hughes has chosen to establish its flagship research and development facility for its artificial lift product line right here in the Claremore facility,” he continued. “Further, we’re also pleased to announce that Forbes magazine has released its list of ‘Best Cities in the Nation’ for jobs, and Tulsa has been selected as the fourth best city in the nation for job growth outlook for 2011 — another positive trend for Claremore and this entire northeast Oklahoma region.”
Several state and area dignitaries, including Oklahoma Lietuenant Governor Elect Todd Lamb, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce and Tourism Natalie Shirley, Sen. Sean Burrage and others were on hand at Baker Hughes in Claremore for the announcement.
“It’s great to be back in Zebra country, Hillcat country and now, bigger and better Baker Hughes country,” said Oklahoma Lt. Governor Elect Todd Lamb. “This season as we all know is Christmas season, and something that’s been on our state Christmas list for a long time has been ‘more Baker Hughes’, so this (announcement) represents a re-investment in Oklahoma — one which is indicative of the state being friendly to business — we couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas present.”
“This announcment is a terrific opportunity for northeast Oklahoma, as Baker Hughes has shown it’s committed to growing and adding jobs in the Tulsa and Claremore region,” sadi Natalie Shirley, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce. “Our state has a long and rich history in the traditional energy sector, and Baker Hughes is adding another chapter to that story with its decision to expand here.”
The application for the Quality Jobs Program includes manufacturing facilities for Baker Hughes’ artificial lift, completions, oilfield chemicals and drilling systems product lines — located primarily in northeastern Oklahoma.
Claremore Industrial and Economic Development Authority Executive Director Tim Hight said he looked forward to Baker Hughes’ continued success in the Claremore area.
“CIEDA was pleased to assist Baker Hughes with this expansion,” Hight said. “Baker Hughes is a major engine for job creation and continued investment in the Claremore economy and the region. Existing industry growth and the growth of local economy and jobs, has and will continue to be a core strategy for CIEDA.”
Announcement of the expansion concluded with tours being made available of the Baker Hughes plant in Claremore.
Baker Hughes is a global provider of services to the oil and gas industry, employing more than 2,400 employees nationally.
Business
Related Photos
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Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett, left, was in Claremore Wednesday afternoon to hear the announcements of an expansion to Baker Hughes in Claremore which is expected to generate 670 new jobs in the Claremore and northeastern Oklahoma area. Claremore Mayor Flo Guthrie, center, and Sen. Sean Burrage, right, visited with Bartlett following the announcement. Tom Fink
UPDATED - Baker Hughes to expand in Claremore area
Job growth could be as high as 670
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