JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — A new scaffolding manufacturing facility, Solid Platforms Inc., has opened in a former Bethlehem Steel Corporation building in Johnstown, marking a significant boost for local employment.

The facility, which uses American-made steel to fabricate scaffolding components for construction and industrial projects nationwide, celebrated its grand opening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Johnstown’s new mayor, Sylvia King, and the secretary-treasurer of the Carpenters Union.

Jason Lammertin, COO of Solid Platforms, explained the precision involved in their manufacturing process, stating, “They weld the components, get ’em out ready to go. Once we’ve done making the components, then they go back out in the field and they are trained and certified to build the scaffold, dismantle it as well. So we’re producing for ourselves and constantly producing jobs.”

The Carpenters Union highlighted the benefits of manufacturing domestically, with William Sproule of the Regional Council of Carpenters noting, “Waiting for a barge to come from China or one of the other countries in Asia and then pay in those premiums for those types of materials, why not make it right here in the States?”

The facility currently provides over 30 jobs in Johnstown, with plans to more than double that number in the coming year, offering job security and skills training for local workers.