Johnstown, PA is booming with new jobs.  Especially in an old steel plant – Environmental Tank and Container.  Drilling companies are impressed by the quality of work and so is governor Tom Corbett.

The plant is currently building portable storage tanks for frackRefers to a method used by producers to extract more natural gas from a well by opening up rock formations using hydraulic or explosive force. water used in the drilling process.  Earlier this year, the plant was relatively empty and its owner in bankruptcy.  John Polacek, the founder of Johnstown Welding and Fabrication, had an idea on how to cash in on the Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock.ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is one of the most highly productive types of sedimentary rock whose density provides tight stores forhydrocarbon reserves below. Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is a rock formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. running through about two-thirds of Pennsylvania, and areas of New York and West Virginia. Geologists estimate that there is a large enough natural gas reserve within the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. to power the United States for one to eight years. boom.  Now, over 80 workers are employed with sustaining jobs.

“When I came through here earlier this year there were 3 cars. I find myself counting the cars”, said Polacek. “It’s a measurement of success if people are employed. Well, I stopped counting cars.”

The jobs are not going to people from out of state, and are going to local citizens who have always been in the area.  The workers here are building tanks necessary to protect the environment and the hard work is getting noticed by the drilling companies.

Congressman Mark Critz joined the governor on a tour of the facility. He is also very impressed with the work that is taking place in the plant.  It proves that the people of Western PA are ready to roll up their sleeves and understand the meaning of a hard day’s work.

Many others will have an opportunity to be hired at Johnstown Welding and Fabrication with 70 additional jobs opening up in 2012.  This area is very thankful for the Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock.ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is one of the most highly productive types of sedimentary rock whose density provides tight stores forhydrocarbon reserves below. Marcellus ShaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. is a rock formationA body of earth material with distinctive and characteristic properties. running through about two-thirds of Pennsylvania, and areas of New York and West Virginia. Geologists estimate that there is a large enough natural gas reserve within the shaleA fine grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of consolidated clay or mud. Shale is the most frequently occurring sedimentary rock. to power the United States for one to eight years. boom and looks forward to more jobs and a boost in the economy.