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Versatex to invest $40 million, create 80 new jobs in Beaver County
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USA TODAY NETWORK
ALIQUIPPA — Beaver County-based building materials supplier Versatex will invest $40 million to double production capacity and build a new 96,500-square-foot facility in the Aliquippa Industrial Park.
The move is expected to create at least 80 new jobs in the region, building on the company’s current 180-person workforce in Aliquippa and 400-person workforce in Scranton.
Versatex leaders joined Gov. Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger Tuesday to celebrate the investment and tout the state’s role in making it happen.
Versatex received a $2.65 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan, a $400,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $160,000 workforce development grant to train workers.
“This is what is possible when we invest in economic development – and I want more companies to see that Pennsylvania is open for business and we are ready to work with you,” said Shapiro. “That’s why my (2024-25) budget proposes $600 million in economic development initiatives to grow our economy, rebuild our communities and help Pennsylvania compete to win.”
Versatex produces PVC trims, moldings, soffit and custom millwork for the residential renovation and new construction industries. In 2018, it was acquired by The AZEK Company, a designer and manufacturer of “low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable wood-alternative outdoor living and building products.”
In addition to building the new facility, Versatex will renovate its existing site at 400 Steel St. in Aliquippa. The company will expand its capacity of existing product lines, begin production of its new composite siding product line and add machinery to increase its use of recycled material in production.
“This approximately $40 million investment underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic growth,” said Versatex President Scott Van Winter. “Combined with AZEK’s approximately $58 million investment at its Scranton locations in recent years, we are not only bolstering the local economy but also reinforcing Pennsylvania’s reputation as a manufacturing powerhouse.”
Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker said the Tuesday announcement punctuates the “economic resurgence” taking place along Aliquippa’s riverfront.
“The renaissance in these small communities must continue – and this investment from Versatex and the Shapiro administration will give many Aliquippa residents economic opportunity,” said Walker. “Investments like this are putting people back to work with livable wages to take care of their families – and today’s announcement is the latest example of how we can work together as state and city leaders with our local businesses to create and retain jobs, support our workforce and maintain our manufacturing history and footprint right here to drive economic growth.”
Chrissy Suttles is a freelance business, energy and environment reporter for The Beaver County Times and other publications. You can reach her at csuttles00@gmail.com.
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