Thomas Steel to Hire as It Enters Rechargeable Battery Market
UPDATE: This story was updated to include Thomas Steel Strip’s investment numbers and grant award.
CLEVELAND, Ohio – Thomas Steel Strip will add 42 positions and invest $8.5 million at its Warren plant to support the company’s entry into the rechargeable battery market.
Thomas sees opportunity in the battery market as electric vehicles gain popularity and homes become more reliant on sustainable power sources, according to president and CEO Mike Morris. A subdivision of Tata Steel, Thomas has had a presence in Warren for almost 100 years, where it currently employs 220.
Thomas produces a range of electroplated steel that is used in everyday products such as alkaline and rechargeable batteries, automotive applications, sporting ammunition and decorative products, Morris said in a news release.
The company also produces cold-rolled and plated steel products for automotive, construction, packaging, engineering and other industries.
Citing the region’s proximity to markets and its talented workforce, Thomas moved forward on the expansion with the help of U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13 Ohio, and an economic development team comprised of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, JobsOhio and Team NEO.
The project was supported with a $100,000 grant from JobsOhio toward the purchase of machinery and equipment, according to Team NEO.
“Our goal is to be a proud employer for another 100 years,” Morris said. “Thanks to collaboration like this, we feel certain we will achieve this goal.”
Spurred by the Lordstown Motors Corp. and Ultium Cells LLC projects in Lordstown, the Mahoning Valley is rapidly being recognized as America’s Voltage Valley, said U.S. Rep. Ryan.
“The clean and renewable energy revolution will help reshape our region’s economy, revitalize our workforce, and address global energy and environmental concerns,” Ryan said. “I commend Thomas Steel Strip for the vision to embrace these emerging technologies.”
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
