C&J energy celebrated its expansion into a new building and parking facility Friday in the Marshall Business Park.

"C&J was looking at the Ark-La-Tex and came over to the Marshall Economic Development Corporation.  We had our ducks in a row to get it done fast," said Cliff Todd, corporate sales for C&J and a former director of MEDCO.

"The city commission and county were great partners.  I think we have done what we said we would do and are still doing it," Todd said.  "We quickly outgrew our location and required a new parking lot."

The company will house some of its operations in the former Black and Decker building and was given the use of additional parking acreage earlier this year, next to its main facility as an incentive for creating jobs.

C&J Energy employees were joined by members of the MEDCO board and staff and more local government and business leaders to laud C&J for their ability to stay and grow in Marshall.

"Our employees are some of the most dedicated employees in the region," said Todd, who praised a line of them including Jeremy Pitman, field operations; James Moore, vice president of maintenance and equipment; Erica Wehmeyer, office administrator; Bill Kirschke, field operations and Barney Perez, operations manager for coil tubing.

Todd explained that he frequently makes a "windshield survey" from his employees.

"Each of their cars is a little economic development opportunity," he said.  "They get jobs, go out and buy goods and services.  Our guys live here, and the company not only gains goods and services to keep these rigs running, but our guys do, too."

He additionally offered thanks to MEDCO for its assistance on their new building.

"In just a year and a half, C&J's original job creation goal of 130 employees was achieved, ahead of schedule," said Chairwoman Leslie Chambers for MEDCO.  "The current facility on Medco Drive was filled to capacity and overflowing with employees and equipment."

Ms. Chambers recalled the working relationship of C&J Energy with MEDCO in the creation of jobs and the company's central distribution warehouse, serving the Ark-La-Tex and Oklahoma.

"The warehouse is now located in the facility here, today," she said.  "C&J Energy has expanded their workforce to 211 jobs in Marshall.  The economic impact of these 211 jobs in the community equates to an annual payroll of more than $14 million."

C&J energy "creates great jobs with high earnings potential" and these generate "approximately $2 million in new bank deposits" as well as $3.75 million in retail sales per year, she said.

"C&J Energy also contributes in many ways to the community and to name just a few - the local food bank, youth agriculture farm and ranch projects and local sponsorships," said Ms. Chambers.  "We are excited to celebrate today, this important expansion event with C&J and Cliff Todd."

Marshall Mayor Chris Paddie and Harrison County Judge Hugh Taylor also spoke during the event.

Attending from the Marshall City Commission were Ed Hoffman, Bill Marshall, and Charlie Oliver. 

From the Harrison County Commissioners Court were Jeff Thompson and Emma Bennett.