Frank Horrigan, regional director of Pennsylvania’s Governor Action Team, announced separate projects that will retain 900 jobs at two manufacturing firms in Beaver County, PA. One of the projects includes Horsehead Corp., which has a large manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania.
Horsehead Corp. will retain 600 existing employees statewide, the vast majority at its Beaver County facility. Anchor Hocking also received financing assistance from the GAT.
"Manufacturing is an essential part of our economy and must continue to have the Commonwealth's full support," said Horrigan. "This investment to retain manufacturing jobs will not only allow these companies to be more competitive, but will have long-lasting effects on the local community. On behalf of Governor Rendell, I commend Horsehead Corp. and Anchor Hocking for choosing to continue operations at their Beaver County facilities."
Horsehead Corp. is altering the existing coal handling and safety equipment at its power plant and also intends to procure, design and build improved fire protection and ash handling equipment in order to burn more economic, low-sulfur coals. The company uses an energy-intensive process to manufacture zinc and value-added zinc products.
Members of the Governor's Action Team, economic-development professionals who report directly to Governor Rendell and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Yablonsky, worked with Horsehead Corp. to secure a $300,000 Opportunity Grant through DCED.
The announcement was part of the Beaver Initiative for Growth's quarterly meeting in Wampum. BIG also worked with Horsehead Corp. and Anchor Hocking on these key projects.
Horsehead Corp. is the largest zinc producer in the United States and the world's foremost manufacturer of value-added zinc products including zinc oxide, zinc dust, and zinc powder. The company is an integrated zinc producer as well as the world's largest producer of zinc from recycled sources. Horsehead Corp., which also has a metal powder and zinc recycling facility in Palmerton, is headquartered in Monaca.