ESCO plant in Newton to expand, add 150 jobs
Published 5:26 pm Wednesday, March 13, 2019
The ESCO plant in Newton is in line for an expansion that’s expected to bring more than 100 jobs to the area.
The Weir Group, ESCO’s parent company, is investing an additional $15 million into the facility as part of a total $50 million plan supporting an additional 150 jobs at the plant, according to a news release from the Mississippi Development Authority.
When the plan is complete, employment will rise to more than 400 workers, a 60 percent increase from 2016, the release said.
The facility began operations on Highway 15 in Newton in 1971. As one of Weir’s largest manufacturing operations, it produces tools for mining and infrastructure projects. About 80 percent of the products manufactured at the facility are exported, making the division the world’s leading supplier of ground engaging tools for the mining industry, according to the release.
The Weir Group, a Scotland-based mining equipment manufacturer, acquired the ESCO Corporation in July 2018.
Local officials welcomed news of the expansion on Wednesday.
“It’s good news for us in this region,” said Newt Ishee, Director of the Mid Mississippi Development District.
Kenny Harris, the District 1 supervisor for Newton County, agreed.
“Anytime we can get an existing industry to expand, that’s a benefit to everybody,” Harris said. “In order for any business to thrive, you’ve got to have good employees. The company feels really optimistic about the workforce in Newton County.”
“We chose to increase our investment in Newton because it is home to highly skilled people who are passionate about producing world-class products,” Weir Group CEO Jon Stanton said in a statement.
The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for workforce training, as well as statutory tax exemptions. The expansion is expected to complete by August.