WILLIAMSPORT -- An effort is underway to try and save a plant that provided welding services to the natural gas industry in our area.
NuWeld in Williamsport closed its doors Wednesday saying it was out of money and couldn't pay its 100 employees.
For officials in Lycoming County, this effort is about more than just helping a company stay open. It's about keeping the economy alive in Williamsport. Leaders and NuWeld employees are concerned the closure could cause a domino effect in the area.
"Having the lights off at this time of the day? Yea that's pretty weird," said employee Jordan Ritter.
Ritter and about 15 other employees showed up at NuWeld Inc. in Williamsport Thursday knowing they wouldn't be paid. Instead they wanted answers from management.
"150 people that are not here. 150 families that don't have income and the ripple affect across the area will be massive,” said general manager Jim Maiolo.
The company on Reach Road, which has been around for more than 20 years, had to close because it can't pay its employees.
"The bank completely wiped our accounts. They took all money out of our accounts without warning," said employee Michelle March.
"We've never really been any problem to the bank. They just want their money," said Maiolo.
NuWeld employees tell us issues with the bank, BB&T, aren't over unpaid bills. They believe the problems stem from the company's connection with the gas industry, which has been on the decline.
"I was talking to some people from another business who was worried they might have to lay off people because we are closing. So it's already started," said Ritter.
That's part of the reason why leaders in Williamsport won't let NuWeld go out of business without a fight.
Lycoming County Commissioner Rick Mirabito is working to build support from the community and other government officials. His hope is the bank will give NuWeld time to find work outside of the natural gas industry, perhaps involving nuclear pipelines.
"We are hopeful the bank wants to be looking into this and wants to be a good neighbor and wants to help keep these jobs in Williamsport," said Mirabito.
In a statement emailed to Newswatch 16, BB&T said it has been working with NuWeld for some time and is willing to continue working with the company to try to resolve the situation.
