Iron casting company to expand operations in Columbia County

Benton Foundry, Inc., an iron casting company, announced plans last week to expand its operations and production capabilities at its facility in Benton, Columbia County.

More than 300 jobs will be both retained and created under the new expansion, which will increase the space of its core pouring room and cleaning and finishing areas.

“Benton Foundry has prospered by pushing into harder-to-make castings, which has made core assembly an integral part of our success and growth as we double the size of this portion of the foundry,” Tim Brown, vice president of Benton Foundry, said. “We feel fortunate to partner with world-renowned ergonomics and industrial engineering professors from Penn State University, in addition to the Governor’s Action Team, whose work reflects tangible results that will provide sustenance for the continued growth of our operation.”

Benton Foundry was established in Northeast Pennsylvania in the 1950s. By 1975, the company was capable of pouring 22 tons of iron daily. Today, Benton’s fully automated facility pours 170 tons of iron each day. The company said the expansion is expected to increase the facility’s capacity up to 225 tons per day.

For the project, Benton received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development, which includes a $150,000 Pennsylvania First Grant and $40,000 in Job Creation Tax Credits.

The Governor’s Action Team coordinated the project.

“It’s special to not only witness but support a company that has been a staple in Northeast Pennsylvania as it continues to grow,” Gov. Tom Wolf said. “Benton Foundry is a company that has achieved success throughout many years of operation, and, as the company evolves, it continues to bring new career opportunities and better services to Pennsylvanians and consumers alike.”