Press Releases
Congressman Moran Tours Mills Across East Texas
Tyler, TX,
February 23, 2023
Tyler, TX– Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) released the following statement after touring three manufacturing facilities across East Texas:
“We need to fight to keep great manufacturing businesses like these thriving in the United States. I would like to thank Steve Smith of Graphic Packaging International, Bill Ward of Ward Timber, and Kirk Barron of Cabinetworks Group for taking the informative tours of their respective facilities. Their commitment to their employees, their communities, and their industries is second to none. I look forward to seeing what these leaders accomplish next.” Following the tour of Cabinetworks Group’s Master WoodCraft facility in Jefferson, Kirk Barron, Senior Vice President and General Manager, shared: “We are grateful to Congressman Moran for his continued efforts to bring awareness to manufacturing and supply chain challenges and access skilled labor.” ###
Graphic Packaging International has over 130 facilities worldwide, with 820 employees in their Texarkana mill. The facility develops innovative packaging solutions to help customers stand out and achieve brand loyalty in a competitive and dynamic marketplace with a product portfolio that emphasizes renewable, recycled, and recyclable materials. Brands associated with the Texarkana Mill include KFC, McDonalds, and Dixie. About Ward Timber Co.: Ward Timber Co. employs 120 people. Those employees work in their sawmill, logging, woodyard, and trucking operations. The facilities specialize in pine and hardwood lumber, railroad ties, and pallet material. They also supply pulpwood, wood chips, sawdust, and bark to paper mills in the area. About Cabinetworks Group and Master WoodCraft: Cabinetworks Group is the largest independently owned manufacturer and distributor of kitchen and bath cabinetry in the United States, producing both framed and frameless cabinetry in 19 facilities across the United States, including two facilities in east Texas which manufacture Master WoodCraft cabinets. The company employees 80 team members at the Jefferson facility and over 400 employees at the Marshall facility. Cabinetworks has more than 9,000 employees nationwide and is home to 17 cabinet brands, including iconic brands such as KraftMaid®, Medallion®, Merillat®. ### About Congressman Moran: Congressman Nathaniel Moran moved to rural East Texas just a few months before he turned two years old. Congressman Moran attended the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years before transferring to Texas Tech University, where he ultimately earned his B.A., MBA, and law degree. Upon graduation from law school, Nathaniel and his wife Kyna moved to Tyler, where Nathaniel began practicing law and Kyna began teaching elementary school. He would go on to become a small business owner in Tyler – running both a law firm and a staffing company. Congressman Moran began his career in public service as a member of the Tyler City Council from 2005-2009. In 2016, Nathaniel was appointed as the Smith County Judge. During his time as Judge, he served as presiding officer of the Commissioners Court, Chief Budget Officer, judge of the Constitutional County Court, Chair of the Juvenile Board, Head of Emergency Management, and Chief Administrative Officer of the County. In 2018, he was elected to a full four-year term as County Judge. He continued in this role until his election to U.S. Congress in 2022. Congressman Moran and his wife, Kyna, are the proud parents of four school-aged children. ### |