ALIQUIPPA – Beaver County-based building materials supplier Versatex will invest $40 million to double production capacity and build a new 96,500-square-foot facility in the Aliquippa Industrial Park.
The move is expected to create at least 80 new jobs in the region, building on the company’s current 180-person workforce in Aliquippa and 400-person workforce in Scranton.
Versatex leaders joined Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Economic and Community Development Secretary Rick Siger on Tuesday to celebrate the investment and praise the state’s role in making it happen.
Versatex received a $2.65 million loan from the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, a $400,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $160,000 workforce development grant to train workers.
“This is what is possible when we invest in economic development – and I want more companies to see that Pennsylvania is open for business and that we are ready to work with you,” Shapiro said. “That’s why my (2024-25) budget proposes $600 million in economic development initiatives to grow our economy, rebuild our communities and help Pennsylvania compete to win.”
Versatex produces PVC finishes, moldings, soffits and custom millwork for home renovations and new construction industries. In 2018, it was acquired by The AZEK Company, a designer and manufacturer of “wood-alternative, low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable building and outdoor living products.”
In addition to building the new facility, Versatex will renovate its existing facility at 400 Steel St. in Aliquippa. The company will expand the capacity of existing product lines, begin production of its new composite coatings product line, and add machinery to increase the use of recycled material in production.
“This approximately $40 million investment underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic growth,” said Versatex President Scott Van Winter. “Combined with AZEK’s approximately $58 million investment in its Scranton facilities in recent years, we are not only bolstering the local economy, but also reinforcing Pennsylvania’s reputation as an industrial powerhouse.”
Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker said Tuesday’s announcement punctuates the “economic resurgence” taking place along Aliquippa’s riverfront.
“The renaissance in these small communities must continue – and this investment from Versatex and the Shapiro administration will provide economic opportunity for many Aliquippa residents,” Walker said. “Investments like this are getting people back to work at livable wages to care for their families – and today’s announcement is the latest example of how we can work together, as state and local leaders, with our local businesses to create and maintain jobs, support our workforce and maintain our production history and presence here to drive economic growth.”
Chrissy Suttles is a freelance business, energy and environmental reporter for The Beaver County Times and other publications. You can contact her at csuttles00@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared in the Beaver County Times: Versatex to Invest $40 Million and Create 80 New Jobs in Beaver County
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