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State to award funds to 2 Valley concerns
YOUNGSTOWN
The Ohio Department of Development will provide about $1.1 million to 10 companies, including one in Youngstown and another in Vienna, to assist in training workers in advanced-energy technologies with federal stimulus funds.
Northern State Metals in Youngstown will receive $101,535 to train 15 new employees and 40 current workers.
The company is a supplier to the solar industry of aluminum and steel racks. The racks are designed and made on site to fit solar panels.
Starr Manufacturing International Inc. in Vienna is receiving $75,800 to train 16 current workers and four new hires.
Starr produces custom industrial equipment and machinery for various industries such as mining, material handling, energy, and machine and equipment manufacturers.
The company is partnering with Weiss Environmental, a company that uses biomass to produce biofuels. Starr is making parts for Weiss to use in schools and production facilities.
The department of development announced Energizing Careers Program grant winners Thursday.
The program reimburses up to $6,000 a full-time employee for training in the wind, solar and biomass industries.
Preferential funding is given to companies located in 44 counties, including Mahoning and Trumbull, impacted by the restructuring of the auto industry.