The Falls Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a major expansion for MM Metals USA on Monday night.
The vote permits the company to expand its ferrochrome production at 49 Middle Drive in the Keystone Trade Center. The plan includes building a 17,153-square-foot replica of its current plant.
Supervisors also approved a new 126,543-square-foot aluminum production plant. The site will feature a materials storage area, two weigh stations, and related ground improvements.
MM Metals is the only producer of ferrochrome in the United States. The material is an alloy of chromium and iron used to make stainless steel. It serves as a critical material for defense, aerospace, and energy sectors.
“The U.S. generally imports ferrochrome from China and Russia,” an MM Metals representative told the board.
Local Job Growth and Safety
MM Metals has operated in Falls Township since 2022. The company currently employs 42 workers and plans to hire at least 20 more immediately.
Staffing will reach 175 permanent jobs once both facilities are fully operational. Construction will also create over 200 temporary jobs.
Company co-founder Michael Devlin spoke about hiring needs during the meeting.
“We are sort of competing for finding people,” Devlin said. “It’s difficult out there.”
Devlin noted that available positions include high-paying roles like metallurgists. He added that the company provides months of specialized training for new hires.
Residents and board members asked about environmental safety during the presentation. Representatives stated that their air quality permit labels the plant as a low emitter. Environmental studies showed no negative impacts.
“Working with molten metal is extremely dangerous,” a company representative said. He noted that high safety standards have kept workers injury-free for five years. “In this industry that’s unheard of.”
Board Vice Chair Erin Mullen praised the company’s progress.
“It’s a very American success story,” Mullen said.
Additional Township Business
In other business, the Supervisors approved an updated land development plan for McGill Fairless Hills Composting Facility at 600 Tyburn Road.
The company will build a 37,560-square-foot addition to its existing composting facility. The 15.5-acre property will also receive a new biofilter, an acid scrubber system, and two building enclosures.