Pewag, an Austrian company that is one of the world’s leading tire chain manufacturers, will open its first North American production plant in Pueblo and create 55 new jobs there.
Groundbreaking is set for Sept. 28 at the new property located in the Minnequa Industrial Park on the south side of the city, the Pueblo Economic Development Corp. announced Monday.
At full operation, the 55,000-square-foot facility will provide 55 new jobs to the Pueblo market.
Pewag’s manufacturing tradition dates to 1479. Today, it leads the industry with innovations such as the Grade 120 Chain — reputed to be the world’s strongest chain. The company has three main product lines: traction or snow chains, industrial chains and tire protection chains.
Pewag said it opened a U.S. subsidiary in 1975, and has built a strong foothold in the North American market. A nationwide search was held to determine the location of its first chain production plant in North America.
Pewag USA president Mike Uhrenbacher said the reasons for the selection of Pueblo included “access to the supply chain, skilled and qualified workforce, training capabilities with Pueblo Community College, tireless support from Pueblo Economic Development Corp. and economic incentives from the city of Pueblo.”
Andrew Lang, PEDCo board of directors chairman, called Pewag a “really solid company and excellent addition to Pueblo’s strong manufacturing base. If you talk about stability, this company has longevity with roots that predate the founding of Pueblo as a trading post.”
Lang added, “We are very pleased that Pewag has chosen our community to construct its first North American manufacturing operation and want to thank our community for providing the one-half cent sales tax that makes it all possible.”
John Mossman: 303-954-1479, jmossman@denverpost.com
