Tri-State Hydraulics' work — and its workers — have been spread across the country.
But the latest expansion of the Charleroi-based company will be serving a new customer base in its own backyard.
The firm recently opened a new division, Mon Valley Hose and Fitting, under the management of sales engineer Brian Pivovarnik.
The new division produces hydraulic hose assemblies and serves the Mon Valley market.
“There are a lot of different industries up and down the Valley that are good fit for our (new) product,” said James Palmer II, company president. “There is a need for custom-made hoses.”
Pivovarnik joined Tri-State Hydraulics with the goal of leading the new division. Production began in the last few weeks.
Jim and Janice Palmer started Tri-State Hydraulics in 1958 as an automotive repair industry, and it grew into the industrial market for metals, especially work in the steel mills.
The Charleroi site is the third location for the company over the years. Originally located in Pittsburgh, Tri State Hydraulics moved to Charleroi from Glassport 17 years ago.
“Washington County facilitated the move,” Palmer said. “Fifty employees moved here. This is the old Lee Norse building and it was vacant at the time. We bought it from the Washington County Redevelopment Authority and renovated it to what we have now.”
Today, 60 people are employed at the Charleroi site. Palmer said it was perfect for the company's move from Glassport because it has cranes and electrical service.
Tri-State occupies three buildings on the site — for its main offices and warehouse; shipping, receiving, packaging; and the manufacturing site. Mon Valley Hose and Fitting is located in the shipping-receiving and packaging building.
The company's main office is located in Charleroi, along with production facilities. The company also has satellite/branch locations across the country, mainly on the East Coast.
The main manufacturing of hydraulic cylinders is completed at Charleroi, along with repairs.
The hydraulic cylinders are used throughout the steel process, from casting to rolling mills.
Although the steel industry has been consolidated in southwestern Pennsylvania, Tri-State Hydraulics' growth has reached beyond the region, giving the company a wider customer base.
“We've grown up beyond southwestern Pennsylvania,” Palmer said.
But Mon Valley Hose and Fitting will open a new customer base closer to home.
The new division allows Tri-State Hydraulic to expand its presence in the Mid-Mon Valley business community. It also creates a new product and grows the bottom line. One new employee was added so far with plans to add a few additional positions in the next six to 12 months, Palmer said.
“It's something we're very excited about,” he said. “It gets our company and employees involved in local business.
“We've gone great distances to do business, and now this is something more local and more of a community presence.”
Chris Buckley is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at cbuckley@tribweb.com or 724-684-2642.
