Bunting Architectural Metals to build a new aluminium extrusion plant in Lawrence County

On Thursday, March 31, Josh Bunting, the President of Bunting Architectural Metals announced the construction of a new aluminium extrusion facility in Lawrence County with the help of the government Tom Wolf’s administration. Neil Weaver, the Acting Secretary of the department of commerce said that the new extrusion facility aims to create around 80 job opportunities paying 33 per cent more than the average local per capita income. For this project, Josh Bunting had received a loan of US$2.1 million from the state.

Bunting has bought the 333,980-square-foot facility at 930 Cass St. in Shenango Township, which is on 24.3 acres. The new plant will be used as an aluminium extrusion mill, producing products for the building, construction, automotive, and transportation industries.

Bunting also received a US$316,000 Pennsylvania First grant, and a $152,000 workforce development grant to help train workers. He was also asked to apply for the department's Manufacturing Tax Credit (MTC) programme.

“Bunting has been in business in the Pittsburgh area since 1869 and it’s essential for Pennsylvania to continue making these types of investments in our home-grown companies. Our investment in Bunting is creating new manufacturing jobs, boosting the regional economy, and helping a company with deep Pennsylvania roots continue to thrive and succeed right here in the commonwealth,” said Tom Wolf.

“We are excited to have Lawrence County become the home of our new aluminum extrusion facility. Working with the commonwealth, the county and the township has shown us that the commonwealth and the county are welcoming to new business. We look forward to redeveloping 930 Cass St. into a 21st-century manufacturing facility,” stated Josh Bunting.

Neil Weaver stated the area has a long history of manufacturing, with manufacturing being the second-largest employer in Lawrence County behind healthcare.

Weaver stated that the greatest need for manufacturing right now is a qualified workforce and that the Wolf administration is pleased with all of the county's high schools and post-secondary institutions that teach manufacturing and skilled labour occupations. He also mentioned that the new site will assist local businesses, stores, and eateries.

“This is a great day for Bunting, as well as for the entire region. I want to commend Bunting for their continued commitment to Pennsylvania. Not only are they creating jobs and helping the local economy, but they are taking a blighted property and turning it into something worthwhile,” added Weaver.

Bunting expressed gratitude to both the state and the county for their contributions to the project, adding that the collaboration and communication between the three parties were smooth and efficient.

Linda Nitch, the director of economic development, Lawrence County Regional Chamber of Commerce said, “This project builds upon the rich industrial heritage of Lawrence County. The Buntings’ redevelopment of this 100+-year-old building into a 21st-century state-of-the-art aluminum extrusion facility continues to demonstrate that the workforce exists in our county to continue our manufacturing legacy. We welcome this new business to our county and look forward to working together to complete this project.”