Hickey Metal Fabrication is expanding with a 25,000-square-foot addition to accommodate new automation and high-volume equipment, creating up to 30 new jobs by December. With six existing buildings and a workforce of 185, the company is also planning a potential eighth building in the next 18 to 24 months. The expansion is driven by strong demand from diverse industries, including truck trailers, towing, fitness equipment, and military work. Despite construction challenges, the company is working closely with local officials and the Sustainable Opportunity Development Center to finance the project. Celebrating its 80th anniversary, Hickey Metal Fabrication remains a family-owned business, continuing to grow and serve its loyal customer base.

Hickey Metal Fabrication celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 25,000-square-foot building, which will house state-of-the-art automation equipment to increase capacity and support future growth. The project is set to be completed by the end of December, with some equipment already on-site in a temporary location, and additional equipment expected in the first quarter of next year, according to Vice President Adam Hickey.

Hickey Metal Fabrication recently broke ground on its seventh plant, with key company leaders and local officials in attendance. The ceremony included President Leo Hickey, Secretary/Treasurer Suzanne Hickey, Vice Presidents Adam Hickey, Ben Peters, and Nick Peters, as well as Salem Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey and other members of the Hickey team, including various plant managers and engineers. Cope Associates Inc. owner Tucker Cope and Engineering Direct LLC Engineer Tom Nock also participated in the event.

A new trade school, the Midland Innovative Technical Charter School (MITCS), is being built in Midland, Pennsylvania, and will focus on hands-on learning for students in grades 9-12. It will be the third charter school in the area, following PA Cyber and Lincoln Park Performing Arts, and the first to offer real-world skills training. Chris Shovlin, a member of the MITCS Organizing Committee, highlighted the school’s mission to provide opportunities for local students to gain meaningful employment and stay in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The school will feature specialized programs, including the Dr. Cyril H. Wecht Academy of Forensic Sciences & Law, with Dr. Wecht expressing his honor at the recognition. The first building will be named the Charles J. Betters Innovation Center in honor of Charles J. Betters, who played a key role in the school’s creation. MITCS also received a $500,000 grant from PGT Trucking.

The $28 million Envelope 1 expansion project in Columbiana, Ohio, is underway, with structural steel being erected for a 100,000-square-foot addition. This new facility will include a modern office space, enhancing the company’s appearance. Envelope 1, part of the Pidgeon Group, manufactures up to 30 million custom envelopes daily and generates $94.65 million in annual sales. The expansion will allow Envelope 1 to consolidate operations with its affiliated company, E1 Digital Direct, which prints materials like bank and credit card statements. The project will retain 200 jobs and create 122 new ones. The expansion is funded by a $25 million USDA rural development loan, secured through US Eagle Federal Credit Union.