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While we certainly have had more than our share of bad news when it comes to jobs and industry in recent weeks, it is good to be able to share some of the successes we continue to see as well.
Last week, local business, economic development and government officials were joined by representatives of the state of West Virginia and more to officially welcome Heavy Iron Oilfield Services to Hancock County.
Heavy Iron relocated to Chester from Washington County, Pa., bringing many of its existing jobs but also planning to create more, for a total of 100 employees.
This is a win for Chester and for Hancock County in several ways. As noted by some of those in attendance, Heavy Iron is the first tenant to take up residence in the Rock Springs Business Park, built on property once occupied by Taylor, Smith and Taylor Pottery.
The pottery had been closed and deteriorating for decades when the site was purchased by the Business Development Corp. It took years of effort, with support from county commissioners, the state and various other charitable trusts and agencies, to get the land cleared and ready for reuse. That included the construction of the new building, some of the first new construction seen in the city for many years.
We know this doesn't make up for recently announced losses, but Heavy Iron coming to Hancock County is still a positive for our residents, and we welcome them and wish them well in their new home.
Hopefully such announcements are able to continue for years to come.