High Steel Structures Inc., 3501 W. Fourth St., is going to invest more than $11.4 million to support expansion through site improvements and new equipment, with a commitment to retain its 700 employees.

Gov. Tom Corbett announced late Tuesday afternoon the company recently was awarded a contract to supply steel for the bridge replacement project and the state Department of Community and Economic Development partnered with the company on a $430,000 Pennsylvania First Program grant.

"We're proud and delighted that Gov. Corbett is partnering with us in Williamsport," said Brian LaBorde, company president. "The grant helps to make possible a significant project for the Lycoming County community, as well as for High Steel. This demonstrates the power of public-private cooperation in Pennsylvania."

The project, coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, an experienced group of economic developers who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in the state, also worked with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.

"High Steel's continued presence will provide stability for the current labor force while also providing new job opportunities for those seeking employment," said Dr. Vincent J. Matteo, president and CEO of the chamber. "We are appreciative of not only their investment, but also of the governor's involvement in helping make this happen."

The company plans to add 30,000 square feet to its existing 170,000-square-foot facility.

"It's good to see that we're able to provide jobs and sustain existing jobs to see they got new contracts," said John Grado, city engineer and director of community and economic development. The company has been a decades-long employer with the city, he said.

Grado said he thinks as bridges are built, the company may see more contracts over the next five years.

The business receives materials through the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority railyard and its trucks can be seen transporting the girders throughout the state.

Grado said it would be ideal for the state Department of Transportation to look at the juncture of West Fourth Street and Route 220 to create a better interchange at the site. "Right now, there will be more traffic through the West Fourth Street area, plus one can count on the volume of increased traffic because of work to be done by High Steel," Grado said.

City Council President Bill Hall said it sounds as though the expansions means retention of jobs.

"It probably means jobs that aren't related to the gas industry and goes back to not having all your apples in one basket," Hall said.

"It's work done to be done in New York generating work for Pennsylvanians," said state Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Williamsport, who toured the plant in October. "It's a place that employs a lot of people and it's good news for our employees and other businesses," he said.

Founded in 1931 in Lancaster, High Steel Structures Inc., an affiliate of High Industries Inc., is one of the largest fabricators of structural steel in North America with more than 1 million tons of steel fabricated over the past 20 years.

High Steel's 700-plus co-workers fabricate a wide range of complex bridge components and heavy building girders.

"Pennsylvania is open for business and I welcome High Steel's continued investment in our commonwealth," Corbett said.

"Our people are our greatest asset, and by partnering with companies like High Steel, we can keep Pennsylvania jobs in Pennsylvania."

(Mark Maroney, "High Steel expansion linked to NY bridge project," Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 12/11/13)