Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published May 16, 2023.
(Aliquippa, PA) A large group gathered at the former site of the Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation Tuesday morning for a groundbreaking ceremony of a new steel mill set to be built on the site. 72 Steel LLC, a Chinese-American Company based out of Brooklyn, New York are in agreement with Chuck Betters to purchase the site and develop a new mill. The proposed mill would feature the newest and most advanced steel technology and environmentally friendly equipment.
72 Steel President, Jack Lin, gave a speech saying that 72 Steel wants to “rise to new heights”, and they’re on a “mission to revitalize economy”. He says that mission will start in Aliquippa. Lin noted that the development will be a driving force for other development in the surrounding area. He said this is the beginning of bringing steel back to the steel city.
Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker made a speech on the impact that the plant will have on the region, stating that he can’t wait for cars to drive through the old J&L tunnel, by people going to work with families in communities throughout the county. Mayor Walker spoke to Beaver County Radio before the event started, and described the whole thing as “a blessing”, saying that he is “eternally grateful”. Not only is Aliquippa set to exit their Act 47 status soon, but having this announcement on top of that made for an emotional day for Walker. Walker also presented Aliquippa flags to both Jack Lin and Chuck Betters, quoting the towns motto “Why Not Us?”. Walker describes the flags as the “key to the city”.
72 Steel says they will be investing 218 million dollars into the mill and be able to produce hundreds of thousands of tons of steel per year. Chuck Betters announced he will invest 1.5 million into the project. The deal between 72 Steel and Betters has not closed yet, with no exact timeline stated. If all goes well, the mill is expected to be operational by 2025. A large ceremony is set to take place upon completion, celebrating a return of steel to Beaver County.
Photos from the event can be viewed below:
