Steelite International, a company headquartered in Youngstown and a global leader in tableware for the hospitality industry, marked a major milestone in Lawrence County Wednesday.

The company held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new 325,000-square-foot distribution center in Neshannock Township.

"We are constructing probably the largest distribution center ever built in Lawrence County," John Miles, CEO of Steelite says.

The project is a nearly $50 million investment that CEO John Miles says represents both growth and community impact.

"We currently employ around 300 here, so first and foremost it protects all 300 of those jobs," Miles said. "We'll have an additional 30% capacity, 25 to 30% initially, so that kind of goes along with the jobs so you could see job growth of 25 to 30%."

The new facility will be built next to Steelite's existing distribution center, solidifying the company's commitment to the region. Steelite serves the hospitality industry exclusively, with products ranging from ceramics to buffet equipment, lighting, and cutlery, supplying everyone from Panera Bread to Michelin-starred restaurants.

"You can't acquire other companies and you can't grow organically unless you have capacity," Miles said. "This expansion gives us that capacity to continue growing."

Local leaders, including Pennsylvania State Senator Michelle Brooks, praised the project as a 'gamechanger' for the community.

"This is one of the largest projects in the township," Brooks said. "I was happy to work with Forward Lawrence County to secure $3.5 million for this initiative. Over 100 jobs is very meaningful, and Steelite's investment is a testament to what can happen when we work together for the common good."

The new distribution center is expected to be a hub for growth, ensuring Steelite continues to lead the global hospitality market while supporting the local economy."