Ever wonder how stuff is made? Come see how Longview companies make the world’s largest front-end loader, produce massive steel plates, turn chemicals into products, distribute goods around the world, and other cool technology. Join us for Big Techs, the behind-the-scene tours of what makes Longview Texas work.
Longview’s history and present are full of makers, builders, doers, and inventors. Ever since Longview was founded as a railroad town in 1870, industrious people have been making cool stuff in our corner of East Texas. That industrious culture grew with the East Texas Oil Boom of the 1930’s and the manufacturing necessity of World War II. Today, Longview companies continue that tradition, using modern technology to create, build, and distribute goods.The Big Techs event is a chance to peek behind-the-scenes at the amazing technology that makes Longview work. As part of Industry Appreciation, Big Techs is a collaborative effort of the Longview Economic Development Corporation and the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau.
2021 dates coming soon! Tours are free, but registration is required. Please note age restrictions on some tours.
AAON: 203 Gum Spring Rd.
Texas is hot, but AAON products help keep us cool. AAON is engaged in the engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of air conditioning and heating equipment. Learn how AAON builds everything from commercial-sized air conditioners to geothermal/water-source heat pumps and coils. Must wear close-toed shoes and long pants. Facility is not heated; wear weather appropriate clothing.
Dollar General Distribution Center, 3300 E. George Richey Rd. Minimum Age: 18Well-stocked aisles and products in perfect shape are key to Dollar General’s success. Every day, tens of thousands of items make it to stores all over the country from Dollar General’s distribution centers around the country. The recently-constructed facility in Longview features more than 1-million square feet of state-of-the-art space. Minimum Age: 18.
Eastman Chemical and Westlake Chemical: 300 Kodak Blvd.
Eastman is a global advanced materials and specialty additives company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. From the film on your car’s windshield to the screen on your tablet, from baby bottles to passenger jets, from tires to attire, the world depends on products made from Eastman Chemical materials.
Holt CAT Machine Division: 5110 W. Loop 281
A tour of the construction equipment at the Holt CAT Machine Division. HOLT CAT Longview sells, services and rents heavy equipment, trucks and trailers, engines and generators for construction, earth-moving, mining, industrial, petroleum and agriculture uses.
Holt CAT Power Systems: 2210 Neiman Marcus Pkwy.
See how Holt Cat Power Systems completely refurbishes huge industrial engines from large Caterpillar earth-moving equipment into like-new condition. Children are welcome with adult. Must wear closed toe shoes. Safety glasses will be provided.
Komatsu: 2400 S. MacArthur St. Minimum Age: 10
The world’s largest front-end loader is an earth-mover of massive proportion. The 2,300 horsepower machine weighs 560,000 pounds and features tires that are 14 feet tall. The bucket holds 80 tons of dirt, which is more than can fit in an 18-wheeler. Yet, this huge machine is fuel efficient utilizing a hybrid diesel / electric drive. 80 minute tour. Minimum age: 10.
Neiman Marcus Distribution Center, 2301 Neiman Marcus Pkwy. Minimum Age: 18
For over a century, Neiman Marcus has focused on serving the unique needs of the luxury market. Discover how Neiman Marcus uses modern technology to distribute upscale assortments of apparel, accessories, jewelry, beauty and decorative home products. Minimum age: 13. Must wear closed toe shoes. No cameras. Minimum age: 18
Nucor Steel, 301 Nimitz St. Minimum Age: 18
Bring on the heat at this steel mill that melts metal at 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit! Nucor is North America’s largest recycler, and the Longview facility purchases thousands of tons of scrap metal per month. Long pants and closed toe shoes required. Minimum Age: 18
STEMCO, 300 Industrial Drive. Minimum Age 18.
STEMCO, which is an acronym for Specialized Truck Equipment Manufacturing Co, is a world-class manufacturer of innovative commercial vehicle solutions. STEMCO has been supplying a diverse line of high performance systems and components to the commercial vehicle industry since 1951. Close toe shoes are required. Minimum Age: 18.