Matalco ribbon-cutting set for June 15

April 7, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

LORDSTOWN

Production has started at the new 225,000-square-foot aluminum billet plant in the village.

Brampton Ontario, Canada-based Matalco and Triple M Metal LP has scheduled a ribbon-cutting for June 15 to celebrate the opening of the newest Matalco location.

“On a combined basis with both our Canton and Brampton Ontario, Canada, facilities, this expansion now firmly establishes and solidifies Matalco’s position as North America’s largest aluminum re-melt billet manufacturer,” said Robert Roscetti, vice president of Matalco in an emailed statement.

Matalco broke ground on its $100 million manufacturing facility in September 2014. The facility, at the Ohio Commerce Centre, 5120 Tod Ave. SW, is Matalco’s third location in North America.

When Lordstown is fully commissioned, Matalco will be the largest producer of billets in North America with production of more than 700 million pounds per year, according to its website.

The Ohio Job Creation Tax Credit Authority approved tax credits for Matalco. The company was approved for a 50-percent, eight-year tax credit that would provide $450,000 in assistance from the state.

The company received an economic-development grant from JobsOhio, and Lordstown approved a 75-percent, 10-year property-tax abatement.

“The decision to expand to Lordstown encompassed a few key drives, which included proximity to both existing and prospective clients, incentive programs offered up at both the local and state levels and the site itself offering convenient highway and rail access,” Roscetti said.

The facility will employ 60 to 80 people at full capacity. So far, 40 full-time employees were hired, and the company will hire more. Those interested should go to matalco.com to review openings and submit resumes. Resumes also can be dropped off in person.

Production at the plant started in mid-March. Roscetti said so far the company is on track to achieve its 2016 forecast.