A hand holds a brochure for a community program.

A plan for success

Community benefits commitments are a key component of the Polyethylene Terephthalate Recycling Decarbonization Project. As part of the award from the Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED), Eastman has developed a community benefits plan of $20 million.

Our commitments

Supporting approximately 1,000 temporary construction jobs and 200 new permanent jobs
Expanding the Texas Operations Apprenticeship Program
Supporting the renovation of an underused south Longview community building which, after renovation, would serve as a hub for community outreach, workforce training, and resources for its community partners
Entering into good-faith discussions with the goal to develop a negotiated agreement to ensure a sufficiently skilled and trained workforce
Supporting the Justice40 initiative by completing a Justice40 Assessment and Implementation Strategy during each phase
Leading the Community Advisory Panel for the Sabine Industrial District of Longview and working to facilitate two-way communication between community members and industry to address concerns, build trust and educate stakeholders on industry developments
Sharing project information publicly to support engagement, accountability and transparency

Four manufacturing employees fill Eastman swag bags with various items.

Creating new jobs

The investment is expected to bring over 200 full-time, high-paying jobs to the Longview community in addition to approximately 1,000 temporary construction jobs during site development and construction of the facility.

Workforce development

We have qualitative and quantitative goals for quality job creation and workforce development. This includes wages at or above prevailing wages, benefits, paid leave, pathways to retirement, expansion of the Texas Operations Apprenticeship Program (a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship), on-the-job training/workforce development hours, site-specific or corporate DEIA training, and funding for project-specific workforce development initiatives as applicable.

Diverse workforce

Our goals for recruitment and hiring for critical and exempt leadership and subject matter expert aligns with Eastman’s commitments to building a diverse workforce.

Management systems

Plans for the assessment, development, and/or procurement of internal information management systems and tools enable tracking and reporting of recruitment and community engagement activities.

Documentation of impacts

We plan to document the impacts on the existing workforce and implement strategies to mitigate negative effects while engaging in good-faith discussions to develop a negotiated agreement that ensures a sufficiently skilled and trained workforce.

Workplace health

We plan to engage hourly and/or front-line workers in design and implementation of workplace health and safety plans.

A chemical engineer in goggles, a hard hat and gloves.

New Eastman employees receive training from another employee.

Apprenticeships

Eastman has a rich collaborative history with Department of Labor-certified programs dating to 1946. Currently, Texas Eastman boasts eight certified programs, which were recertified in May 2023. These programs are registered with the Veterans Administration, allowing veteran apprentices with post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to receive financial assistance while enrolled.

The Texas Operations Apprenticeship Program is designed to develop a skilled and safety-minded workforce for Eastman's Texas Operations. It offers comprehensive training in operations, maintenance, electrical and instrumentation, and welding. Participants benefit from hands-on experience, mentorship and classroom instruction, preparing them for successful careers at Eastman. The program emphasizes safety, technical skills and professional development, ensuring apprentices are well-equipped to meet industry demands.

Expanding apprentice opportunities

Eastman’s community benefits plan includes an expansion of our existing Texas Operations Apprenticeship Program. This expansion will include equipment improvements, building enhancements and curricula upgrades. We’ll also offer increased instructional and hands-on training.

Outside view of Eastman’s fire training and test area in Texas.

Branches of Hope

Through the Branches of Hope initiative, Eastman plans to support the renovation of an underused community building in south Longview. After renovation, it will serve as a hub for community outreach, workforce training and resource for its community partners. During Phase 1, Eastman will enter discussions with community partners to determine the applicability of a community benefits agreement.

Three smiling people meet in an Eastman Longview conference room.

Community Advisory Panel (CAP) objectives

Eastman is dedicated to fostering transparent and meaningful two-way engagement. We are developing a comprehensive community and labor engagement strategy that not only builds on the foundation of our Community Advisory Panel (CAP) but also incorporates innovative methods to effectively share project information with members of the south Longview community.

CAP objectives include:

Providing feedback from the community about plant operations and concerns
Identifying ways to improve communications with the community
Helping citizens understand industry issues in relation to personal concerns
Fostering candid discussions with facility managers on chemical production issues
Addressing important community issues
Building trust among organizations representing key community stakeholders

Community engagement

Two people in hard hats pose at Eastman’s facility.

A group of people talking at a community event.

Emergency alert system

The City of Longview’s emergency alert system is powered by Smart911 and provides emergency alerts to community members who opt in. Sign-up is free, and alerts are received by phone, text or email. Sign up to receive important messages and emergency alert notifications from the City of Longview Emergency Management Authority.

Community benefits