WEIRTON, W.Va. — Form Energy plans to break ground on its facility at the former Weirton Steel mill site within the next few weeks and plan to begin production at the factory in mid to late 2024.
“The logistics on the site are incredible,” Form Energy VP of Communications Sarah Bray said. “There’s rail, there’s river, there’s barge access and highways.”
Those advantages were the main reason the company decided to build its facility in Weirton. The company hosted an open house where area residents could learn more about the manufacturing plant that will produce batteries. Its recruiting team was also on hand as the company will have to employ around 750 people.
“We’re looking to tap into that knowledge and into that legacy, that institutional know-how and labor force here in the area,” Bray said.
Workers will be hired for the plant beginning this year.
“It continues a legacy of employment, not necessarily in steel, but a legacy that we can pass onto the next generation,” said Marvin Six, executive director of the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle.
Those on hand also heard about the potential for future economic impact this $760 million investment will have on the community that include positive impacts on lodging and food service, all while creating jobs.
“This is going to be a major impact on the city and on the county and on the region,” Six said.
There is another open house set for Friday morning and representatives from Form Energy said they expect to host job fairs in the future to help fill the hundreds of positions that will be available.