March 13, 2019 - Weir Group says it's expanding production and adding 150 additional highly-skilled jobs. According to a news release from the Mississippi governor's office, the mining equipment manufacturer is putting an additional $15 million into the Newton operation.

When the investment plan is complete, the company says employment will increase to more than 400 workers, a 60 percent increase from 2016.

“Mississippi is a strong manufacturing state, and prominent companies like the Weir Group and its ESCO division in Newton know our workforce is one of the best in the world. Workers strive every day to produce world-class products like Weir’s quality mining equipment for its global consumers. The products manufactured at the Newton facility demonstrate ‘Made in Mississippi’ is truly a stamp of quality worldwide,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.

The Newton facility produces ground engaging tools for mining and infrastructure needs. The expansion is slated to be complete by August 2019.

“We chose to increase our investment in Newton because it is home to highly skilled people who are passionate about producing world-class products. The equipment we make in Mississippi is exported around the world and the increased demand from our mining and infrastructure customers gives us great confidence in the future,” said Weir Group CEO Jon Stanton.

The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for workforce training, as well as statutory tax exemptions.

Approximately 80 percent of the products manufactured at the Newton facility are exported, making Weir’s ESCO division the world’s leading supplier of ground engaging tools for the mining industry. The facility began operations in Newton in 1971.