WSDET & TWC Employers of Excellence
Dec 05, 2025
Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas
Georgia- Pacific & Lufkin Gears a Baker Hughes Business Win Awards at Texas Workforce Conference
Award honors local employer for excellence in Texas
Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas is proud to recognize Lufkin Gears a Baker Hughes business as the region's 2025 Local Employer of Excellence. Lufkin Gears accepted the award at the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) 28th Annual Texas Workforce Conference held Dec. 3 - Dec. 5, 2025, in Corpus Christi. Local Workforce Development Boards nominate employers who make a positive impact on workers, the community, and the state through their partnerships with Texas Workforce Solutions.
Lufkin Gears, a division of Baker Hughes, provides high performance gearing and gear coupling solutions and services. The company brings a history of industry-leading technology to demanding high-speed mechanical-drive, turbo machinery, and marine-propulsion applications. They continually set the standard for design and manufacturing to meet or exceed the most stringent customer and industry specifications.
Lufkin Gears is a member of the Deep East Texas Manufacturing Alliance and is actively collaborating with Angelina College to pursue workforce skills development initiatives.
The company participates in many career exploration events with Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas and other organizations, including Manufacturing Day; Gateway to the Future; My Future, My Way; Youth Career Summit; and Angelina College's Find Your Future event. The company actively offers and hosts student tours and work-based learning days.
Lufkin Gears has participated in the Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas Teacher Externship program for three years (2022, 2024, 2025). Lufkin Gears is actively involved in Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas job and career fairs, and other workforce services.
“The Employer of Excellence award is a well-earned recognition for outstanding contributions to both the community and the Texas economy,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “From job creation to workforce innovation, Lufkin Gears is a model for a growing and thriving business in Texas.”
Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas also nominated Georgia-Pacific, which was recognized as the finalist of the Large Employer of the Year Award.
The Board is proud to nominate Georgia‑Pacific for its sustained and impactful commitment to workforce development in Deep East Texas. With multiple facilities in Camden, Corrigan, Diboll, Jasper, and Pineland, Georgia‑Pacific has consistently partnered with Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas to host hiring events, connect with job seekers, and support regional employment efforts. Their active recruitment presence across our region demonstrates a real dedication to linking residents with good jobs while addressing local labor needs.
Georgia‑Pacific invests directly in skills training and professional growth. Their $10,000 donation to Angelina College’s Technology and Workforce Development Center bolstered regional technical education, helping equip students and adult learners with industry-relevant competencies. Through on‑site hiring initiatives and posting trainee-level roles such as the line‑tender trainee in Corrigan, they provide clear pathways for entry-level workers to gain hands‑on experience and advance within the company.
These efforts align tightly with the goals of the Texas Workforce Commission and Workforce Solutions. Georgia‑Pacific’s collaboration with local workforce centers participating in tailgate hiring events and promoting open positions enhances employment outcomes and supports our mission to reduce unemployment and fill over 3,600 job orders in the past year. Their industry-driven approach mirrors Texas Workforce Commission priorities of equipping both employers and workers with skills essential to Texas's competitiveness, and their investments help maintain high-quality career-tracks that uplift individuals and local economies.
Georgia‑Pacific’s engagement not only fills immediate staffing needs but also contributes to longer-term workforce resilience through education and training partnerships. This integrated approach exemplifies the deep, community-focused model of development that Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas seeks to exemplify.
Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas is among 28 Local Workforce Development Boards located throughout the state. The Board serves Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler counties. Through partnerships with TWC and their communities, Workforce Boards meet the needs of Texas employers and workers through locally designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers and individuals can take advantage of these services.
