State and local officials gathered at ESCO/Weir in Newton last Wednesday as the manufacturer unveiled a plan to expand their production line and create new jobs for residents. Among those attending were Newton Mayor Murray Weems, Newton County Supervisors Charles Moulds, Charles Godwin, Kenneth Harris and Joe Alexander and Circuit Clerk Mike Butler. Gov. Phil Bryant also attended, delivering a short speech about the economic impact and pride employees of the ESCO plant brought to their state.
“I’ve often said my first job is make sure every Mississippi who wants a job has one,” Bryant said. “I’ve amended that a little bit. Now I want them to have a job even if they don’t want one, because our economy and industry in this state is growing.
The $15 million expansion is part of a greater $50 million investment the Weir Group is making after purchasing ESCO last year for $1.2 billion. In addition to increasing production, the company plans to add an additional 150 employees to its current staff of 250 by the end of the year.
“We chose to increase our investment in Newton because it is home to highly skilled people who are passionate about producing world-class products,” Jon Stanton, Weir Group CEO, said. “The equipment we make in Mississippi is exported around the world, and the increased demand from our mining and infrastructure customers gives us great confidence in the future.”
Approximately 80 percent of the products made at the Newton plant are exported to other countries, Stanton said. The Newton plant has shown to be a leader in manufacturing the ground engaging tools used for mining, he said.
As part of the expansion agreement, Mississippi Development Authority will be providing workforce training for the new employees, as well as granting statutory tax exemptions to the new construction.
Stanton said Weir Group, with a presence in over 70 countries, had numerous opportunities to invest but chose Mississippi because of its “business-friendly environment.”
“That environment requires entrepreneurial public officials that put jobs and investment at the heart of their agenda, and that is reflected in the growing economy,” he said. “Working with the Mississippi Development Authority, the state is supporting this investment through incentives and job training initiatives that help Weir and our people continue to prosper.”
