A new company, Heavy Iron Oilfield Services LP, has been welcomed into the northernmost city of West Virginia with a grand opening ceremony held at the Rock Springs Business Park in Chester. The business park occupies the former site of the Taylor, Smith and Taylor pottery plant, marking a significant moment in the area’s economic development.
Jacob Keeney, co-executive director of the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, highlighted the importance of this milestone. Almost a year ago, the BDC announced Heavy Iron Oilfield Services as the park’s inaugural tenant, relocating from Canonsburg, PA. The company plans to create around 100 jobs through a combination of existing and new employees.
Managing partner John Van Slyke expressed Heavy Iron’s excitement to become a part of the Chester community and emphasized their commitment to hiring locally. Since its establishment in 2011, the company has been providing well testing and frac flowback services to the oil and gas industry in the eastern United States. The Chester location will serve as a central hub for operations, allowing for equipment storage and servicing.
The journey leading to the establishment of Heavy Iron in West Virginia began in 2011 when the BDC responded to local residents’ calls to revitalize the TS&T Pottery site. The Hancock County Commission, the Benedum Foundation, and the Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center supported the BDC in acquiring and remediating the property. The construction of the new business park structure took place from 2016 to 2017, transforming a once decaying property into a thriving business location.
The historic significance of this transformation was acknowledged by Chester Mayor Ed Wedgewood, who recalled the years of waiting for progress on the site. Marvin Six, BDC director emeritus, highlighted the collaborative efforts that made the revitalization possible and expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
Kris Warner, executive director of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, commended the BDC for its proactive approach to economic development, positioning the agency as a key player in the state’s growth. Hancock County Commissioner Eron Chek echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the county’s commitment to progress.
The revitalization of the former pottery plant into a thriving business park symbolizes the resilience and determination of the Chester community. As Heavy Iron Oilfield Services joins the ranks of businesses contributing to the region’s economic growth, the spirit of innovation and collaboration shines brightly in northern West Virginia. Subscribe to our newsletter for more breaking news and updates on local developments.
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