LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — Hundreds of new full-time manufacturing jobs are on the way in Luzerne County filling a distribution center that's been empty for about two years.
Ball Corporation just bought a one million square foot distribution center for its new aluminum beverage packaging plant in Jenkins Township near Pittston creating 230 new jobs.
"It's good for the economy. Good for the area. Outstanding," Jim O'Malley of Pittston said.
The new manufacturing plant sits on the site of the former Techneglas buildings.
The company made glass for TV screens.
It employed nearly 700 people but closed in 2004.
The property sat empty for years.
Newswatch 16 was there as the silohs for Techneglas were imploded in 2014.
"It's about time someone does something. It's been vacant for pretty long so it's all around really good news. I'm happy to hear it," Alana Lori of West Pittston said.
"The history of that's in that space, in that location, in that area, it's tremendous to now have that space be filled again," Michelle Mikitish, executive vice president of the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, said.
People in the Pittston area said they are glad hundreds of new jobs are on the way given all the recent layoffs because of the coronavirus.
"There's not a lot jobs around. People are losing their jobs over the coronavirus. So it'll be good for the area," Jason Radle of Avoca said.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the unemployment rate in the Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton area has more than doubled since the pandemic began in March.
The Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce said this is a much-needed boost.
"We're excited to have new business and a new corporation, someone of that size, understand the value of what Northeastern Pennsylvania can offer to an employer," Mikitish said.
The Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce expects Ball Corporation to start getting ready to open for business within the next year and a half.
For those looking for employment opportunities, Mikitish suggests checking PA Career Link for openings.