Firm gets state loan to build woodworking plant at I-70 industrial park
A $13 million, 132,000-square-foot woodworking plant is coming to South Huntingdon, with Robinson-based Wyatt Inc. planning to move its millshop there from Monessen to make exterior curtainwall panels and architectural millwork.
The new plant will be built on about 20 acres at the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp. business park, off Interstate 70 near Fitz Henry.
The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority approved a 15-year, $2 million low-interest loan to Wyatt. The company committed to creating 15 new full-time jobs within three years in addition to retaining 85 current positions at the Monessen Riverfront Industrial Park, the state said.
The new plant is designed to have 125,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space, plus 7,000 square feet of office space.
Wyatt WC Properties LLC purchased the property at the industrial park in February for $380,000, according to county records. The IDC board approved an agreement to sell the land in July 2020, according to the deed.
Wyatt’s project represents a significant investment in the county, said Jason Rigone, IDC executive director.
Finding a location convenient to its employees was important as Wyatt searched for space to expand its operations, said Fred Episcopo, company president. The new facility will be 20% larger than the existing plant and will give the company an opportunity to increase capacity.
Wyatt had been leasing space at the former Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel Corp. plant in Monessen, said Joseph Sisley, IDC marketing director.
Wyatt began preparing the new site in November and wants to begin construction this summer. It anticipates the plant opening in late 2022 or early 2023, said Kyle D. Martin, business development officer with the Economic Growth Connection of Westmoreland, which assisted Wyatt in obtaining the state loan.
“Wyatt has established and sustained a pattern of continual growth for many years and is bringing additional high-quality jobs to the county,” Martin said.
Joe Napsha is a TribLive reporter covering Irwin, North Huntingdon and the Norwin School District. He also writes about business issues. He grew up on Neville Island and has worked at the Trib since the early 1980s. He can be reached at jnapsha@triblive.com.
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