Sika Corporation has announced plans to expand its manufacturing operations in Sealy, Texas. The expansion will focus on producing PVC single-ply commercial roofing membranes and is classified as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The project involves an investment of more than $90 million and is expected to create 60 new jobs in Austin County. Sika will receive a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $519,000 along with a $7,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.
Governor Greg Abbott commented on the announcement: “Texas is where the future of manufacturing is being built. This expansion by Sika will create more good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in the Gulf Coast region. Texas offers cost-effective advantages for supply chain providers and easy access to expanded markets across the country. I congratulate Sika on deepening their relationship with the community of Sealy as we work together to build an even stronger Texas for decades to come.”
The company’s investment aims to meet growing demand for commercial roofing materials while placing Sika closer to major metropolitan markets in the western and southern United States.
Jim Walther, President and CEO of Sika Corporation USA, stated: “This new investment into our roofing membrane manufacturing and supply chain footprint is a testament to our unwavering commitment to our global leadership position in commercial roofing. This strategic decision strengthens Sika’s ability to deliver innovative and sustainable construction solutions to our valued customers.”
Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst noted: “For almost 10 years now, Sika has been a solid business partner with the City of Sealy and the local school district. This expansion will only further solidify their dedication to supporting the local economy in the long term and provide stable employment opportunities for local residents.”
Sealy Mayor Carolyn Cerny Bilski added: “The City of Sealy and its council and leadership team strive for economic development excellence in partnering with our local Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the Sealy Independent School District (ISD), Austin County, and the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office to recruit and retain the businesses and industry that not only bring in jobs but jobs that bring a quality of life feature for the employees and our local residents. Sika has proven to be such a partner with its original development in 2016 and now in its more than $90 million expansion in 2026. I expect a continued successful partnership for our state, county, and certainly our city and school district; I look forward to other opportunities to work with the State on such endeavors.”
Austin County Judge Tim Lapham said: “We are excited for the additional facility with a new product line at the Sika facility. Sika has proven a positive impact on the community. We look forward to the additional employment this new opportunity will provide.”
Bill Atkinson, Executive Director of Sealy Economic Development & Tourism, commented: “Sika’s investment of more than $90 million to expand their presence demonstrates the success of the existing corporate partnership in Sealy. Through coordinated efforts between the State of Texas, Austin County, the City of Sealy, Sealy EDC, and Sealy ISD, we aligned workforce, infrastructure, and incentives to support long-term investment and quality job creation.”
The TEF grant program provides performance-based grants aimed at encouraging business relocation or expansion projects within Texas when competing against out-of-state locations.
According to information from the official website, Governor Greg Abbott’s office has played an important role in job growth across Texas by focusing on economic opportunities as well as job creation initiatives statewide since his election in 2014 (source). The office also maintains primary operations from Austin at the State Insurance Building (source) while delivering services throughout Texas (source). Governor Abbott was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list in 2024 (source).
