December 14, 2023

Support Grows for New Boston Metal Facility in Weirton

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and other West Virginia stakeholders applaud Boston Metal’s receipt of a $50 million grant through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Grants Program. This new facility will manufacture ultrapure chromium metal and high-temperature alloys which are critical materials needed for advanced energy technologies and has the potential to create 200 new manufacturing jobs in Weirton, West Virginia.

The funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made $750 million available to assist advanced energy manufacturing by small- and medium-sized businesses in coal communities, including the Boston Metal project in Weirton.

“West Virginians continue to demonstrate that we are ready to build an innovative and secure energy future,” said Senator Manchin. “With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Boston Metal will create good-paying manufacturing jobs and continue our legacy as America’s Energy Powerhouse. We are proving that innovation not elimination is the key to our nation’s energy security and independence. I look forward to continuing to work with state and local officials to ensure we can break ground on this facility as soon as possible.”

“Our region‘s commitment to technological progress continues to reap rewards, with the announcement of Boston Metal’s $50 million grant award and the 200 high-tech jobs it could bring to Weirton. Boston Metal’s potential location in Weirton further cements Weirton as a vital hub for cutting-edge industries, with a growing reputation as a center for innovation, reinforcing its status as a burgeoning high-tech and advanced manufacturing hub. This grant signifies a rejuvenation of our metal industry, marked by forward-thinking investments and innovative technologies. Further, this grant presents a unique opportunity to train and employ local residents, fostering a skilled workforce that will continue to pay dividends as we grow our community,” said Jeff Davis, Hancock County Commissioner.

“The interest shown by Boston Metals in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia exemplifies the characteristics of this region to support advanced manufacturing and the growing industrial technology sectors. Boston Metals interest and its partnership with the DOE presents an opportunity to continue the BDC’s mission in bringing innovative companies and well-paying career opportunities to Brooke and Hancock counties,” said Marvin Six, Executive Director of the Business Development Corporation of the Northern Panhandle.

“As the Executive Director of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Region XI Planning & Development Council, it is with great pride to welcome Boston Metals to West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle. Since the 1970’s I have witnessed the ups and downs of our local industries, but now I find myself working with my colleagues to assist our region in its burgeoning growth of jobs and innovation. Boston Metal will be a welcome addition to the others who have chosen our region as the opportune place to thrive, including the Frontier Group of Companies ($110 million), Form Energy ($800 million), JSW Steel USA ($250 million), Pure Watercraft, Gruppo Fanti, Bidell Compression and Pietro Fiorentini USA,” said Michael Paprocki, Executive Director of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Region XI Planning & Development Council.

“The Northern Panhandle is on a winning streak, seeing a number of innovative opportunities, adding to our thriving industrial history. I have been able to discuss Boston Metal’s plans with their leadership team and look forward to working with them to explore possibilities in West Virginia,” said Delegate Mark Zatezalo.

Starting in June 2023, Senator Joe Manchin and his staff have worked with Boston Metal and the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to encourage Boston Metal to build the country’s first high-purity chromium alloy production facility, in Weirton, West Virginia. In July 2023, Senator Manchin wrote a letter in support of Boston Metal’s grant application to the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Program through the U.S. Department of Energy. As Chairman of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Senator Manchin authored and championed the Advanced Energy Manufacturing and Recycling Program and ensured its inclusion in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. In November 2023, Senator Manchin announced that Boston Metal’s application was successful and would result in a $50 million grant to help construct the new facility in Weirton — a total investment of $161 million that will create approximately 200 new, good-paying manufacturing jobs that will supply the U.S. energy and defense industrial base with critical materials needed to develop advanced energy technologies. Senator Manchin’s work culminated in a call to Tadeu Carneiro, Chairman and CEO of Boston Metal, to congratulate Boston Metal and encourage their continued negotiations to bring this project to fruition in West Virginia.