NEW CASTLE, Pa. – Representatives of Steelite International broke ground Wednesday morning on a 325,000-square-foot addition to its distribution center in Neshannock Township, driven by what they say is increasing demand in the market.
“We’re committed to being here for a long, long time,” said John Miles, president and CEO of Steelite. “We continue to enjoy terrific growth in the market both on an organic basis and an acquisition basis.”
Steelite, the CEO added, has embarked on nearly a dozen acquisitions since 2016. “Those acquisitions have greatly helped us to expand here,” he said. “We’re very encouraged.”
Miles said the company plans to invest approximately $50 million in the expansion, which will include modern amenities that make the operation more efficient. “This new distribution center is very much like an Amazon distribution center that you would see,” he said. “Easier to manage, easier to run and very, very large.”
Steelite International is a global distributor of tableware for the hospitality industry. The company moved its North American headquarters and distribution operation into a 50,000-square-foot building 18 years ago at 154 Keystone Drive.
“We quickly outgrew that and doubled in size here in 2018,” he said. As business improved, Steelite relocated its global headquarters to larger space in downtown Youngstown but retained its distribution center in Lawrence County.
In addition to the 325,000-square-foot building, the company will pour another 200,000-square-foot pad in preparation for future expansions, Miles said. “It brings great confidence to the employees and shows our confidence in our industry and our customers.”
Miles said the new operation will add between 50 and 75 jobs over the next three years, in addition to the approximately 300 employed there.
More than 150 company representatives, elected officials and guests attended the groundbreaking ceremony, which included Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.
Davis said Pennsylvania helped the project with a $3.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant, which he cites as an example of his and Gov. Josh Shapiro’s efforts to support job growth throughout the commonwealth.
“This is a perfect example of what we need to be replicating throughout Pennsylvania,” Davis said. “Creating family sustaining jobs and revitalizing communities.”
The lieutenant governor emphasized that the Steelite project shows that the state has made it attractive for businesses to reinvest and expand here. “We are more competitive; we’re cutting through red tape; and we’re creating a business climate where companies want to expand and do business here in the commonwealth.”
Lawrence County Commissioner Dan Vogler said Steelite has been a great partner over the last decade or more. “They’ve made a significant investment here, and we welcome that,” he said. “It means more jobs for the community, additional tax revenue. Our hope is that it will attract other employers to take a good look at what we have here.”
The commissioner said Steelite’s latest project is the result of cooperation between the company, the county and township, Forward Lawrence and the commonwealth.
“It’s been a good working relationship,” he said.
Pictured at top: From left are John Miles, president and CEO of Steelite, Lawrence County Commissioner Dan Vogler and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis.