Business - page 3

Invista has announced a pivotal update regarding its Orange facility: continuing hexamethylene diamine (HMD) production. This decision comes following a reassessment of the plant’s operations and recent changes that have highlighted its ability to function safely and competently as an HMD-only site.

Francis Murphy, President and CEO of Invista expressed the company’s enthusiasm in a statement: “We are pleased to be moving forward with long-term HMD production in Orange.” Murphy noted that multiple changing circumstances influenced the decision, showcasing the site’s capability to maintain HMD production reliably.

The announcement marks a significant shift from last year’s news when the facility revealed its plans to cease adiponitrile (ADN) and HMD operations, forecasting the closure of the site and an impact on over 300 jobs by the end of 2024. This recent development, however, underscores Invista’s commitment to supporting its Upstream Nylon business, focusing on the comprehensive supply chain from adiponitrile to polymer.

Dow Vice President of Operations, Fernando Signorini, also welcomed the news, stating, “We are pleased with INVISTA’s decision to continue their HMD operations at Dow’s Sabine River Site in Orange, Texas. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to continuing our partnership with INVISTA for many years to come.”

This move reinforces Invista’s dedication to bolstering its position in the nylon 6,6 value chain while ensuring continued economic and industrial activity at its Orange facility.

The Orange Lions Club, in partnership with the City of Orange and the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled to announce the installation of a new Lion-themed drinking fountain and bottle filler at Lions Den Playground at 1802 Main Ave. in Orange. This meaningful addition enriches the playground experience and honors the club’s deep-rooted dedication to enhancing community spaces and services.

More than 20 years ago, after an inspiring visit to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, where the first Lion drinking fountain was on display, the Orange Lions Club committed to creating a similar amenity for their local park. This vision has now been realized, thanks to the funds raised during the Christmas Stroll at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and support from the Orange County community, mainly through events like the annual Orange Lions Charity Carnival. Together, the contributions from these local supporters have made this new addition possible, highlighting a strong sense of community and commitment to local enrichment.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at Lions Den Park, was attended by representatives from the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of Orange, the Little Cypress Lions Club, and numerous community members. Together, they celebrated the fountain’s official debut, symbolizing Orange’s community spirit and resilience.

The Orange Lions Club invites all residents and visitors to experience the new feature and celebrate Orange’s vibrant, supportive community.

A new Mexican restaurant, Lili’s Tacos & Tequila, has opened in Bridge City at 2235 Texas Ave. The restaurant offers a variety of lunch and dinner Mexican appetizers and entrees, as well as a bar with a variety of drinks.

Their business hours are as follows:

• Monday-Thursday: 11 AM-9 PM
• Friday-Saturday: 11 AM-10 PM
• CLOSED SUNDAYS

For more info, call them at (409) 313-6426, check out their Facebook page, or order online.

See their menu below.

MVP Auto Detail just opened at 623 Dayton Street in West Orange. It is owned and operated by Victor and Melissa Morales. They will detail autos, boats, RVs, and other types of vehicles.

It is a family-friendly business with a future goal of hiring disadvantaged youth.

They are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays and Mondays are by appointment only, but walk-ins are welcome on all other days.

MVP Auto Detail has been in operation since 2017, and they’ve worked with Granger Chevrolet since then. This venture is their first time operating in a stand-alone building. People may know their work but are just coming to know their name.

Victor has 20+ years of experience, and they have had the same incredible crew for over five years.

For more information, call or text Melissa Morales at 409-434-0941 or visit their Facebook page.

A listing of their packages and pricing is below.

Golden Triangle Polymers Company LLC donated $250,000 to the City of Bridge City this week to fund a park improvement project at Bridge City City Park.

A ceremonial check presentation occurred at the Bridge City City Council meeting on Oct. 15, 2024, in which the city announced they would use the donation to build public pickleball courts. Bridge City Mayor David Rutledge said the decision to build pickleball courts came from a Community Leaders Forum the city held earlier this year, in which approximately 40 citizens discussed and identified community projects. Pickleball courts topped the list of desired amenities, Mayor Rutledge said.

“We’re grateful for this donation because it will allow us to budget and build the pickleball courts sooner rather than later. As a small community that strives to keep tax rates low, adding park amenities doesn’t always make the cut. This is truly a gift for our citizens, and we’re grateful Golden Triangle Polymers made this happen for us,” said Mayor Rutledge.

Golden Triangle Polymers has invested in community programs throughout the Orange County region since its announcement in late 2022 that it would build an $8.5 billion petrochemical facility at a site on State Highway 87. In 2023, the company donated $1.7 million to area schools and non-profit organizations and is investing an additional $500,000 this year.

“Community health and wellness is a priority for us, and we support the city’s decision to add a public amenity that encourages people of all ages to get outside, exercise, and enjoy a local park with family and friends,” said Chad Jennings, plant manager for Golden Triangle Polymers.