DEC 27, 2022
What could be the key to a renaissance of our area’s manufacturing was announced last week, with the reveal Form Energy intends to develop its first manufacturing facility in Weirton.
The Massachusetts-based company, with the goal of developing new energy storage technology through the manufacture of large, iron-air batteries, selected Weirton out of 500 candidate sites in 16 states. The plan, according to local officials, is to renovate the former Weirton Steel open hearth building, and then branch off with the construction of new buildings, beginning the production of its batteries sometime in 2024.
We are told a minimum of 750 jobs will be created with this development, and that is welcome news for our area.
It is the latest in a growing string of economic development announcements for the Weirton area in recent years, and one we anticipate will continue into 2023 and beyond.
Form Energy will be the first major development of the Frontier Crossings project on land once home to the steel-making facilities of Weirton Steel. For generations, that land provided the lifeblood for the Weirton area, and, while the type of product and jobs will be vastly different, it will be good to see the area rejuvenated and bring growth to the community.
his truly has been a team effort, bringing many aspects of our community together to promote our area and showcase what we have to offer.
The goals for the Frontier Crossings area were created under the Weirton Area Reuse Plan, a document developed through the cooperation of the Frontier Group of Companies, the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, City of Weirton, the Thrasher Group and the West Virginia Brownfield Assistance Center. A major component of the plan is the creation of a new industrial access road, which is being made possible with assistance from the State of West Virginia and the efforts of U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and outgoing U.S. Rep. David B. McKinley. That road will provide improved access to the property, allowing Form Energy to better transport its materials, products and people in and out, and, eventually provide access to other companies.
In an effort to attract Form Energy here, the BDC recruited representatives of our local educational systems, medical care providers, government officials, child care providers, charitable organizations, and those involved in promoting the tourism opportunities and history and culture of our region.
It shows what can be accomplished when we all work together, and we know this won’t be the last time it happens.
For now, we join the list of those welcoming Form Energy to the Ohio Valley and we look forward to seeing you becoming a valued part of our community.