LIBBY – An Arizona-based company that makes parts for bridges is planning to open a new construction facility in Libby — creating more than 200 jobs in a county with a 12.9 percent unemployment rate.
Stinger Welding plans to build a 105,000-square-foot facility and employ at least 204 workers within four years with an annual payroll of $8 million to $10 million. Most of the jobs will pay at least $13.31 an hour, plus benefits.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer joined local officials Monday to present to Stinger a $5.7 million dollar check from the Montana Department of Commerce. Part of the money is from a grant that will train the work force over a four-year period.
Paul Rumelhart, executive director of the Kootenai River Development Council, says the Coolidge, Ariz.-based company is currently rebuilding the Oakland Bay Bridge. He estimates that 50 to 60 percent of Stinger’s business is in California.