Innio's Welland plant needs more employees, and Frank Campion is encouraging residents to apply to the state-of-the-art gas engine company.

"They're continuing to hire people . they need more people to apply to complement and fill out their staff and get up to full production," said Welland's mayor.

He said people shouldn't be intimidated about applying to the high-tech, advanced manufacturing firm, even if they don't think they have the necessary skill set to work there.

"You need to be a team player and be willing and able to learn new skills. They'll teach you the proper skills."

In late 2018, Campion headed to Boston to meet with senior management teams from both Innio and Advent International, the private-equity firm that purchased GE's Distributed Power business, which include the Welland brilliant factory.

Advent formed Innio as a new standalone energy company to run GE's distributed power business, which included the Jenbacher and Waukesha gas engine product lines.

The deal also included digital platform and related services offerings, with main operating sites in Austria, Canada and the United States.

"It was a great meeting . they are very excited about the prospects of the plant here in Welland. They already have plans for future investment in the facility to turn it into a world-class operation. We're very encouraged by that," said Campion.

The 45,000-square-metre facility is located off Buchner Road and sits west of Highway 140 and south of Silverthorn Street, and has already produced a number of Waukesha gas engines.

The mayor said he hasn't been through the facility in a couple of months but plans to meet with the Innio management team when they come up from Boston.

"I'll go have a look and see how things are going."

Campion said as the plant ramps up into full production, he expects there may be a shift in the supply chain that feeds the existing facility.

He said more doors could be opened for companies across Niagara to work with Innio.

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

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