Westwin Elements and Lawton Economic Development Enter a Forbearance Agreement
Agreement provides pathway to resolve Westwin’s outstanding obligations and support its continued operations in Lawton
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 28, 2026
Lawton, OK — Westwin Elements, America’s only major nickel refinery, and the Lawton Economic Development Authority (LEDA) today announced an agreement that provides a path to resolve Westwin’s outstanding obligations associated with the company's demonstration plant in Lawton, Oklahoma, while continuing operations at the facility.
Under the forbearance agreement between Westwin and LEDA, LEDA will forbear from exercising remedies under the existing redevelopment agreements through November 30, 2026. On or before that date, Westwin will repay LEDA the outstanding $2.7 million loan, together with interest accruing from June 1 at the 15% default rate provided under the existing redevelopment agreements. At the time of repayment, Westwin will also purchase the property associated with its Lawton operations.
The agreement allows Westwin to continue operating its demonstration plant in Lawton while the company completes the financing necessary to satisfy its obligations. Westwin remains committed to fulfilling its financial commitments and maintaining Lawton as an important part of the company’s continued growth.
"We are grateful to LEDA, the city of Lawton, and the community that has supported Westwin as we built and operated our demonstration plant here," said KaLeigh Long, Founder and CEO of Westwin Elements. "This agreement allows us to fulfill our commitments, resolve the outstanding obligations and establish a path for Westwin to continue operating in Lawton in the long term. We look forward to building on the nearly $18 million we have already invested here and continuing our partnership with the community."
“I remain confident in Westwin, its leadership and the long-term importance of what the company is building in Lawton,” said Dennis Muilenburg, former CEO of The Boeing Company and Westwin Elements board member. “KaLeigh and the team have approached this matter responsibly and have demonstrated a clear willingness to reach a reasonable resolution which allows the company’s meaningful investment in Lawton to advance its operational value.”
Westwin remains focused on continuing its operations in Oklahoma while executing its broader growth strategy and expanding domestic nickel refining capacity in the United States.
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About Westwin Elements
Westwin Elements is building America's only major nickel refinery, delivering high-purity Class 1 nickel and specialized nickel products for national security and industrial applications. Westwin is driving critical mineral independence and reshaping the future of sustainable metal refining.
Learn more at www.westwinelements.com.