Seguin had its formal start in 1836 with the arrival of Mathew Caldwell and his volunteer band of Gonzales Rangers. The group originally named the town Walnut Springs but the name was quickly changed six months later to honor Colonel Juan Seguin, a hero in Sam Houston’s army for state independence.
Seguin, in south-central Texas, is conveniently located within a two-hour drive of four large cities within the Lone Star State. San Antonio is 30 miles west of Seguin; Austin is 50 miles north; Houston is 160 miles east; and Corpus Christi is 150 miles to the south.
Guadalupe County and its county seat of Seguin are definitely on the move, with populations that have grown steadily since the 1970s. In 1970, Guadalupe County’s population numbered 33,554; by 2000, that number had jumped to 89,023. Seguin itself is also growing by leaps and bounds. The population was 22,011 in 2000; today, the Chamber of Commerce estimates that some 25,000 people call Seguin home.
Hexcel Seguin is a leader in diversified product development and produces reinforcements for composites for a wide variety of applications in aerospace, automotive, recreation and industrial, using fiberglass, carbon, aramids and specialty yarns.
Originally built in 1954, the Seguin plant has experienced significant growth over the years. Beginning as a 20 employee one-shift operation producing 10,000 yards per week in a 30,000 square foot facility; today, Seguin operates a three-shift operation employing more than 220 full-time employees who produce 220,000 yards per week in a 220,000 square foot facility.
The Seguin plant has a standing reputation in the community as one of the top employers. The Hexcel Seguin plant has always been counted on as a strong supporter of Seguin and Guadalupe county, through participation in various community and civic organizations.