CORPUS CHRISTI (Corpus Christi Caller-Times) – A proposed $1 billion pipe plant in Gregory is expected to create some 300 new jobs initially and as many as 600 within three years.

Local economic development officials say the manufacturing facility could be the largest investment in the United States by a Chinese company.

Taijin Pipe Group Corp. plans to construct a mini-mill through its subsidiary TPCO America Corp. A mini-mill makes products from scrap steel melted in an electric arc furnace. The Gegory facility will produce seamless casing pipes used in oil and gas wells.

"This is our Toyota," said David P. Engel, chairman of the Corpus Christi Economic Development Corp. (EDC), referring to the pickup truck manufacturing plant in San Antonio.

Roland Mower, president and CEO of the Corpus Christi EDC, said the average salary of a plant employee with benefits will be about $60,000 per year.

"The project will have a $2.7 billion direct impact on our economy and $327 million in salaries in the first ten years," Mower said.

The news is particulary welcome in San Patricio County where the closure of Naval Station Ingleside cost 4,135 direct and indirect jobs. The base will cease operation in September 2010.

The Greogory site was selected from more than 30 locations worldwide.