November 1, 2024
lindsay@westmorelandchamber.com
Röchling’s 36,000 SF Expansion in Mt. Pleasant & November’s Chamber Champion!
We are thrilled to celebrate Röchling’s impressive 36,000 square foot expansion at their Mt. Pleasant facility, located in the Westmoreland Technology Park. This expansion represents a significant milestone not only for Röchling but for our entire region. With the addition of 50 new jobs, Röchling's workforce has grown to 580 strong, providing valuable employment opportunities that will benefit our local economy.
The expansion also enhances Röchling’s manufacturing capabilities, particularly in producing key parts for the transportation sector across the United States. This growth allows them to further solidify their position as a leader in advanced manufacturing, a sector that continues to thrive in Westmoreland County. But beyond their business success, what makes Röchling truly special is their commitment to making a difference in the community.
In recognition of their business achievements and community involvement, we are proud to name Röchling’s General Manager, Craig Crutchfield, and his team as the Chamber Champion for November. This monthly award honors businesses that go above and beyond in fostering growth, opportunity, and positive change in our region—and Röchling has done just that.
One of the key areas where Röchling has made a lasting impact is through their dedication to education and workforce development. The company has been actively involved in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs for local students. These initiatives provide high school students with opportunities to explore careers in manufacturing and give them a head start in the workforce.
A special thank you goes out to Brianne Summy, HR Manager, and Mike Vukas, Quality/Special Projects Manager, who have been instrumental in leading these student programs. Their efforts have resulted in the launch of Röchling’s first-ever high school internship program, which opens doors for young people to transition directly from school to full-time careers at the Mt. Pleasant facility. Programs like these are vital in ensuring that Westmoreland County retains talented individuals and builds a skilled workforce for the future.
We would also like to extend our appreciation to Joanne Finoli from the German American Chamber of Commerce, Pittsburgh Chapter. Her support in helping students enter global manufacturing roles has been invaluable. This partnership ensures that young talent in our community can gain exposure to international business opportunities while staying rooted here to live, work, and succeed.
Lastly, we want to give a big shoutout to Andrew Lazarchik, founder of Wildcats Belts, for his generous donation of the iconic Chamber Champion Belt. This unique symbol is passed each month to businesses that make a lasting impact on our community, and it couldn’t have found a more deserving recipient than Röchling. Wildcats Belts is known for their incredible craftsmanship, and we encourage you to check out their work online at Wildcat Belts. https://wildcatbelts.com/
The Röchling expansion and their continuous support for the local workforce exemplify what makes Westmoreland County a thriving community. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing how they will continue to drive positive change in our region for years to come!