During Tuesday’s Amarillo City Council meeting, new Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) president and CEO Andreas Eckstein presented details of a proposed location incentive agreement tied to a major expansion project involving Owens Corning Composite Materials LLC. The proposal centers on an investment that could bring 165 new jobs to Amarillo while supporting long-term industrial growth at an established manufacturing site.
Eckstein made his first formal appearance before the City Council on June 9, where he outlined what is being referred to as Project Horizon. The initiative involves a potential expansion of up to $11.6 million at the Owens Corning composite materials facility. According to the presentation, the company has maintained a presence in Amarillo since 1979 and has contributed to the local economy for nearly five decades through manufacturing operations and employment opportunities.
A key factor in the proposal is the recent corporate transition involving the facility’s ownership. In May 2026, the Praana Group acquired Owens Corning’s glass reinforcement division, which is now operating under the name Original Composites and Fibers (OCF). The division itself traces its origins back to 1956 and continues to operate as part of a global manufacturing network focused on composite materials and specialty chemical production.
The Praana Group, headquartered in India, manages a diversified portfolio of industrial operations, including glass fiber and composite manufacturing facilities around the world. Company leadership emphasizes long-term expansion strategies supported by strong capitalization and a focus on sustainability practices across its operations.
Under the current proposal, Praana Group is evaluating whether to invest in modernization and expansion of the Amarillo facility. One of the major components under consideration is the potential restart of a second glass furnace production line that has remained offline since an unanticipated gas leak in 2023. Restoring this production capacity would require capital improvements to the existing facility, forming the core of the proposed $11.6 million investment.
If the project moves forward, it is expected to generate up to 165 new full-time positions. These roles would contribute to both manufacturing operations and supporting functions at the site, further strengthening Amarillo’s industrial employment base. The incentive structure being discussed by the AEDC would provide $15,000 per full-time job equivalent, distributed over a five-year period, with a total projected public incentive cost of approximately $2.475 million.
Supporters of the proposal within city leadership view the project as a strong opportunity to reinforce a long-standing industrial partnership. Cole Stanley expressed support following the presentation, characterizing the package as a strong alignment between the city’s economic development goals and a company with deep roots in the local manufacturing sector.
The AEDC Board of Directors is scheduled to review and consider the incentive agreement at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, June 16. Their decision will determine whether the city formally moves forward with the proposed partnership and associated expansion incentives.
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