Press Release: Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation Dedicates Eastland Industrial Park

February 21, 2025

Lyle Roggow, President and CEO of DAEDF, and Eric Hancock, Model 1 Operations Manager, cut the ribbon during the Eastland Industrial Park Dedication and Ribbon Cutting.

The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation (DAEDF) proudly dedicated the Eastland Industrial Park on February 20, marking a significant milestone in the region’s economic growth. The Duncan Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of the dedication event. This achievement represents years of strategic planning and investment without the use of sales tax dollars to enhance Duncan’s industrial capabilities and attract new business opportunities.

The success of Eastland Industrial Park is the result of a collaborative effort among DAEDF, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce (ODOC), and local stakeholders. The project began in April 2022 when Duncan participated in the OKTOPS Program for Industrial Park assessment with Insite Consulting. Over the next two years, DAEDF secured crucial funding through the passage of HB-4464, allowing for infrastructure enhancements funded by ARPA and PREP grants.

A key success story tied to the industrial park is Project Baymax (Model 1), which selected Duncan as its expansion location in June 2023. After initially operating from a temporary location in the North Industrial Park, Model 1 announced major growth plans in February 2024, committing to create 200 jobs in Duncan.

The timeline of milestones leading to the Industrial Park’s dedication underscores the dedication of DAEDF and its partners in advancing industrial growth:

• June 2018 – Duncan Industrial Authority deeds property to DAEDF
• April 14, 2022 - Duncan engages Insite Consulting through the Oklahoma Department of Commerce OKTOPS Program for Industrial Park assessment.
• May 31, 2022 - Passage of HB-4464, securing ARPA and PREP funding.
• October 2022 - DAEDF is awarded ARPA and PREP grants of $2.4M for industrial development.
• January 23, 2023 – DAEDF submits RFP on Project Baymax
• June 1, 2023 - Project Baymax (Model 1) selects Duncan for its expansion.
• August 1, 2023 – Model 1 moves to temporary location in North Industrial Park.
• February 29, 2024 - Model 1 announces long-term growth plans, bringing 200 jobs.
• May 17, 2024 - Bids open for Eastland Industrial Park ARPA and PREP-funded infrastructure projects.
• February 20, 2025 – Ribbon Cutting and Eastland Industrial Park Dedication
• Future – Model 1 to expand to this location.

“We are thrilled the Eastland Industrial Park is now ready for development,” stated Eric Hancock, Model 1 Operations Manager. “From the beginning, Duncan has proven to be the right choice for our expansion, offering the support, infrastructure, and workforce we need to succeed. We’re excited to move forward with construction and continue growing alongside this community.”

“With the dedication of Eastland Industrial Park, Duncan is solidifying its reputation as a premier location for industrial growth,” said Lyle Roggow, President and CEO of DAEDF. “This development was made possible through careful planning, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to economic prosperity. We are proud to welcome new businesses and jobs to our community.”

For more information about Eastland Industrial Park and economic development opportunities in Duncan, contact the Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation at (580) 255-9675 or visit www.ok-duncan.com.

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