Tuesday, May 07, 2013YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- When Brad Childers, CEO of Exterran Holdings Inc., stepped to the microphone at noon to open today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Houston company’s new plant here, he couldn’t thank political and economic development leaders enough for “the friendly welcome” extended his company.
Nor could Childers thank enough the 60-some employees now working at the plant who personify the Mahoning Valley’s outstanding work ethic. “They are enthusiastic and chomping at the bit to get this facility up and running,” he said.
Exterran has invested $13.2 million to construct and equip the plant, which fabricates production equipment used to treat and process natural gas and oil. Workers turned out the first products a few weeks ago; at full production capacity, about 120 are expected to be employed.
The Houston-based, publicly traded company employs nearly 10,000 in more than 30 countries. With annual revenues of $2.7 billion, Exterran is one of the first energy midstream companies to locate here and give credence to the hope that this area could become integral to the oil and gas supply chain.
“We all celebrate the growth of jobs and opportunity in Ohio and we’re very pleased to be part of this area’s revitalization,” Childers said as he introduced Gov. John R. Kasich.
“We got some really great news today,” the governor began.
But before explaining what that news is – CEO magazine released rankings today (READ STORY) that recognized Ohio as “the fastest improving job-friendly economy in the United States" – Kasich paused to applaud Childers. “He’s the most important person here today, without any question,” because he made the investment here.
“The sun’s coming up” in Youngstown, Kasich declared. “It’s fantastic. We see lots of activity and it goes along with an incredibly indomitable spirit of the Mahoning Valley.”
The governor again recalled his upbringing in nearby McKees Rocks, Pa., another former steel town, and related how he has seen “this whole valley starting to regenerate itself.”
Kasich hailed the potential of the oil and gas industry, at the same time emphasizing the importance of industrial diversity. The governor reiterated his belief that “this amazing fracking industry has the potential to make America energy self-sufficient. …This is reason to feel good about our future, our future as Americans and as Ohioans,” he said.
Exterran’s new plant employs advanced manufacturing equipment and processes, Kasich noted. That’s why Ohio’s education system “must be more engaged to make sure our people understand what it means to be involved in advanced manufacturing,” he said, and why parents must understand that today’s manufacturing jobs require specialized training and pay well.
“We have to provide quality workers so [manufacturers] don’t have to go out of state to find the workers they need,” he said. “We have to get the job done.”
Following Kasich to the podium was the mayor of Youngstown, Charles Sammarone, as well as representatives of JobsOhio, Team NEO and the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
“Exterran had a choice of three locations,” Tom Humphries, the chamber’s CEO, reminded the audience.
Incentives were put in place and “the city stepped up at the last minute and resolved some issues,” Humphries said.
“We had a really great team.”
Copyright 2013 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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