2 minute read
BUSINESS
Ann Marie Kennon
annmarie@wilcobr.com
Advertisement
Cangshan Cutlery is the latest California-based manufacturer to relocate to Texas. The City of Leander announced the 2023 move may mean as many as 300 new jobs and a 400,000-square-foot facility, which will house production and corporate management. Cangshan produces premium cutlery, with annual revenue estimated at $150 million.
CEO & Founder Henry Lui said in his company’s release, “I see...the spirit and creativity of my employees, and I see it in the town of Leander. I am truly excited about bringing the vision of creating a premium American-made cutlery line to life.”
The company’s agreement with the city includes construction, $40 million in real property improvements and equipment, and additional full-time jobs to accompany facility expansion.
Leander City Manager Rick Beverlin is happy to welcome Cangshan on the city’s continuum of growth; “This builds on the momentum of other recent job multipliers like Texas Bullion Depository and Northline Development, which are essential to establishing a healthy and diverse tax base in Leander.”
Leander’s Economic Development Director Cameron Goodman is eager to see the ancillary businesses that will support Cangshan to follow. “Normally, we see small companies—suppliers and service providers—that serve big companies come with them, as we did with Tesla. This kind of move tends to reverberate throughout the community and this will be a boom for our local economy.”
On a smaller scale, he says, the trickle effect will provide benefits in the form of new places to live, shop, and eat. A company like Cangshan will grow the city’s ‘daytime population’, something the EDC has worked hard to develop to support retail and restaurants.
Goodman explains, “We are most pleased that Cangshan will be a primary employer, which means its operations will bring ‘new money’ for the community. Cangshan is sold nationally, so much of their revenue will come from outside Leander.”
Goodman adds, “We appreciate the County’s support helping us pay for the roads that will support the Cangshan project. It wouldn’t be possible without their help.” Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said, “It’s clear this project is a cut above the rest when it comes to economic development. Not only is Leander one of the fastest-growing cities in
America, it is a great city to work and build a business and I am proud to partner with them.”
The new facility will be located at 204 Heritage Grove Road, Leander.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
