There are new job opportunities coming to town soon.
With Form Energy building a battery plant on the old Weirton Steel Mill site downtown.
Operations of the factory are planned to begin this year. Form Energy has held one job fair so far, with more to come.
Weirton may become a booming work industry once again.
Finding a job that pays well and fits you can be challenging. According to The Guardian, “Form Energy has agreed to provide employees decent wages and working conditions.”
This can help people, even students, find a field of work for them.
When asked if a job in this field is something that interests them, 24% of Weir students said yes/maybe.
Form Energy’s website says they will support their workers. They want hard working people who rise to the challenge.
Form Energy values humanity, creativity, excellence, and safety. Workers here will have a big impact in making the world better.
Sarah Bray, Vice President of Communications, said, “Form Energy’s factory is expected to create a minimum of 750 jobs in Weirton by 2028. These will be good-paying jobs- offering an average salary of $63,000.”
They have already hired 20 West Virginians and plan to hire more.
The company held a job fair on January 4. According to Metro News, Form Energy Co-Funder and President Ted Wiley told MetroNews the Millsop Community Center was packed with those wanting a job at the new plant.
“The moment I set foot here in West Virginia I got an incredibly warm welcome, the Form team got an incredibly warm welcome from the people of West Virginia and that has continued to be born out.”
— Ted Wiley, Form Energy Co-Founder and President (WV MetroNews)
Bray also said that they hopefully will hire former Weir High Students and their parents.
To get students interested in this field they participated in “Explore the New Manufacturing Academy” on December 8 at WVNCC-Weirton.
Bray said that this is for seventh and eighth grade students to introduce them to diverse career opportunities in manufacturing.
Form Energy is supporting the community in the process of construction. Bray said that they have teams in Weirton for work, staying at local hotels, eating at local restaurants, and supporting the community through their patronage.
Bray said, “We were very impressed with the State of West Virginia’s pro- business landscape, streamlined processes, and commitment to workforce development.”
This Weirton location has a direct river, railway and hardened highway access.
Bray said, “Our team started by identifying over 500 candidate locations across 16 states and narrowed it down to 3 locations” After they evaluated, they decided Weirton was the best location to build.
Weirton officials are excited for this plant to be added to the city. According to Weirton Daily Times, “I’m excited to see some of the property, that was abandoned by Weirton Steel, finally being utilized by a company who will provide fair wages and good jobs,” Weirton Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell said.
Form Energy is bringing hope for the community of Weirton.
