CHARLESTON - Vesuvius USA announced on Wednesday an expansion of its Charleston plant that will add some jobs and help the company keep the work force it already has. The plant, which manufactures ceramics used in the steel industry, will expand by about 55,000 square feet. No more than 20 workers will be added to the 175 employees now at the plant. "This will assist us in keeping us competitive in the world market," said Jay Klaus, Vesuvius regional manager, who along with Charleston plant manager Bill Haley convinced the company to expand the plant. "We think it's going to be a real benefit to Vesuvius and to Coles County," he said.

Company officials said Wednesday there was debate about which of its facilities to name for the expansion. Dave Kurtz, Vesuvius chief executive officer, said the decision was "a tribute to the people of Charleston." He said the experience of the 25-year-old plant plus "strong arguments" from Klaus and Haley led to the decision.

Charleston Mayor Dan Cougill was among the people invited to attend Wednesday's announcement and said it was welcome news. "The expansion of existing industry is probably one of the most satisfying things you could have," he said. "It says that they like where they are and that they believe in the work force here."

Coles Together, the county's economic development organization, helped arrange financing for the expansion, including application for a state loan. The expansion will be part of the county's enterprise zone and subject to temporary tax abatements.

The ceramics the plant manufactures are used in systems that control the flow of liquid steel. Klaus said the company supplies the ceramics to all major steel companies worldwide, and the expansion will also allow the Charleston plant to ship materials to other company locations for work there.

Used with permission from Mid-Illinois Newspapers
Publishers of the Mattoon Journal Gazette and the Charleston Times-Courier

Vesuvius USA's Charleston, Illinois facility.
Photo by Brian Murphy

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Coles Together
400 Airport Road
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
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