Williamsport-based aluminum manufacturer wins state award | News, Sports, Jobs

SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
One of the mills for aluminum at Chance Aluminum Corp., which the former home of JW Aluminum on Trenton Avenue in Williamsport.

Recently, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association announced that nine local employers and organizations were recipients of the Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement — including Chance Aluminum Corp. of Williamsport.

According to a news release, the awardees were honored at the Association’s 41st Annual Conference in late April in Hershey. The Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement recognizes Pennsylvania employers who support workforce development in their communities. These employers have created jobs and partnered to hire skilled workers through Pennsylvania’s workforce development system.

“Our workforce development partners are making their communities stronger and we’re proud to highlight their leadership,” said Lauren Holubec, executive director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, according to the news release. “Businesses that receive the Governor’s Employer Award for Achievement are working with Labor and Industry and local workforce organizations to make sure workers get the training they need for opportunities close to home. They’re opening their doors for veterans and individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workforce. We commend these efforts to make sure every Pennsylvanian has a chance to build a career and succeed right here in the Commonwealth.”

“Pennsylvania’s workforce is strongest when employers and state and local partners come together to invest in people. The businesses recognized today are opening doors, breaking down barriers, and creating real opportunities for workers across the Commonwealth,” state Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker said, according to the news release. “Their commitment to building pathways to good jobs — for veterans, for individuals with disabilities, and for all Pennsylvanians — represents the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives this great Commonwealth forward.”

Along with Williamsport’s Chance Aluminum, businesses in Audobon, Pittsburgh, Pottstown and Lyons were among the winners.

Chance Aluminum Corporation purchased an aluminum mill in Williamsport in 2021, rebuilding the facility, retaining workers, and creating new jobs. A key strategy to the company’s success is its partnership with PA Careerlink Lycoming County.

The consultative services of the Business Solutions Team (BST) have resulted in tailored recruitment events and job posting assistance on CWDS to ensure Chance Aluminum connects with talented individuals, the news release said.

In 2024, the company welcomed 37 new employees, with plans to bring on more than 40 in 2025 and 113 full-time positions by 2027. Chance Aluminum values employee training, so when the BST discussed On-the-Job Training (OJT) through PA Careerlink, the company was interested. The company has used OJT to equip five new employees with the hands-on skills they need to succeed.

Further, Chance works to ensure the wages they pay employees are competitive, and they utilize the labor market analysis services from PA Careerlink and Advance Central PA to help them achieve this.

“Chance Aluminum isn’t just a business but a lifeline for our community,” Mayor Derek Slaughter said, according to the news release. “Their partnership with PA Careerlink® has built a strong workforce and brought hope and stability to families who call Williamsport home. They embody what it means to care about your people.”

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide. Known forPennsylvania’s premier annual workforce development gathering every spring, we provide development and capacity building opportunities to workforce development professionals, local workforce development boards (WDBs), and other stakeholders while continuing proactive advocacy efforts on behalf of Pennsylvania’s workforce development system. Learn more by visiting https://www.pawork.org