Lawton Gives Westwin Elements Until November 30 to Repay $2.7 Million in Public Money

Lawton taxpayers now have a deadline. The Lawton Economic Development Authority approved a forbearance agreement this week giving Westwin Elements until November 30 to repay roughly $2.7 million owed to LEDA, the City of Lawton, and the Comanche County Industrial Authority, plus 15% interest that has been accruing since June 1. The agreement pauses all legal remedies under the note while the company works to secure financing.

The deal comes with real security attached. Westwin provided a $2.7 million guarantee from the Dennis A. Muilenburg Revocable Trust, a stipulated judgment, a depository account with a $1.55 million minimum balance, and a commitment to purchase about 7.2 acres of the pilot plant site after repayment. The company also paid $60,000 for June through September occupancy and will pay $15,000 per month going forward. LEDA Executive Director Richard Rogalski said the provisions greatly increase the chance the city recovers its $1 million and the county industrial authority recovers its $2 million.

Westwin still employs about a dozen people at the pilot nickel plant and has invested nearly $18 million in fixed assets, even after announcing in 2025 that it would not move forward with a large-scale commercial refinery in Lawton. CEO KaLeigh Long said the agreement allows the company to resolve its obligations and keep operating here long term. What do you think: is this a fair deal for Lawton taxpayers?