Role of Fabricated Structural Steel Manufacturing in the Economy of Luzerne County

Abstract

The Penn State Workforce Education and Development Initiative conducted an analysis of the economic impact of fabricated structural steel manufacturing in Luzerne County in Pennsylvania. The analysis was designed to help understand the impact of the award of a major contract by PPL Electric Industries to Valmont Industries, Inc., with plants in Hazleton and West Hazleton. Valmont will design and manufacture steel poles for the 101-mile segment of the Susquehanna-Roseland power line.

The Economic and Workforce Brief produced from this analysis provides a benchmark for measuring the total employment, employee compensation, and property taxes associated with every 100 workers employed in Luzerne County's fabricated structural steel manufacturing industry.

Products manufactured by Valmont Industries, Inc., are classified in the North American Industrial Classification System code 332312. According to the U.S. Bureau of the Census, establishments in this industry "are primarily engaged in fabricating structural metal products, such as concrete reinforcing bars and fabricated bar joists." PPL Electric Utilities, a subsidiary of PPL Corporation, provides electricity delivery services to approximately 1.4 million customers in Pennsylvania.

Keywords: Economic Impact, fabricated steel