Ohio Lt. Governor Mary Taylor and executives from Houston-based Exterran on Feb. 28 broke ground on a new 65,000 square-foot manufacturing facility that is expected to employ more than 100 workers in the Youngstown, Ohio, area. The new facility will be located in the Salt Springs Industrial Park and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2012.

An international leader in oil and natural gas services, Exterran is expanding its manufacturing in the Northeast United States to accommodate its clients’ growing demand for products and services. Exterran, which is not involved in drilling or extraction, has numerous clients participating in the development and production of oil and natural gas in the Northeast United States, including the Marcellus and Utica shale plays.

“We chose the Youngstown area for our new facility to ensure the rapid, efficient delivery of quality products to our clients working in the region and because of the outstanding quality of the local workforce here,” said Exterran senior vice president Daniel Schlanger. “The Youngstown facility will allow Exterran to meet existing demand and will position us to quickly respond to our valued clients’ future needs.”

The new facility will be dedicated to the fabrication of production equipment used to treat or otherwise process natural gas and oil after it is extracted from the ground such as separation, dehydration, natural gas conditioning, oil treating and conditioning, filtration and air emissions control. The new facility will utilize a streamlined lean manufacturing process which will shorten lead times, increase manufacturing output and produce high-quality products.

Schlanger added, “We greatly appreciate the support we have received from the community including the state of Ohio, city of Youngstown, JobsOhio, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and TeamNEO.”

Employment Opportunities

Exterran anticipates the hiring process to begin late this summer, ultimately employing approximately 100 full-time team members. The Mahoning-Columbiana Training Association (MCTA) / Ohio One Stop will serve as the single point for recruiting, screening, referral and placement for new employees. Additionally, Exterran will work closely with local technical schools to meet its needs for skilled welders.

Tom Humphries, President & CEO of the Regional Chamber, thanked Exterran for its decision to locate a new manufacturing facility and create more than 100 jobs in the Mahoning Valley. “We were pleased to work with Exterran since June 2011 to locate a site that best fits their needs while making them aware of every incentive program and opportunity our community and state has to offer. We are proud to have such a major manufacturer in our Valley.”

“This is another example of what we can accomplish as a region by working together to create an environment where businesses can succeed,” said Tom Waltermire, chief executive officer of Team NEO. “It’s an exciting time for our region as we emerge as an ideal location for shale-related businesses.”