MSC Formally Launches its Infrastructure Suppliers Network

DUQUESNE, Pa. – Earlier today, natural gas, steel manufacturing and transportation industry leaders from across the region joined local elected officials at the United States Steel Corporation’s Mon Valley Works training center to discuss the positive and growing impact that responsible Marcellus Shale gas development is having on the Commonwealth. Jointly hosted by U. S. Steel and the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC), the event focused on the extensive supply-chain network involved in producing clean-burning Marcellus natural gas.

“While the significant economic opportunities made possible through the responsible development of Marcellus Shale are fairly well known, too often folks tend to think that new job opportunities are limited to the well site,” said Kathryn Klaber, president and executive director of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. “As this event demonstrates, the tens of thousands of jobs being generated right now by this important work extends across nearly every segment of the state’s economy, and, in one way or another, improve the lives and economic circumstances of millions of Pennsylvania residents.”

Added Klaber: “As natives of southwestern Pennsylvania well know, steel is an important part of our history, identity and culture. Thanks in part to the contributions made to this industry and others in our supply chain, the steel industry that helped put Pittsburgh on the map is once again playing a significant role in the region’s economic revitalization.”

The group of leaders – including Sen. Jay Costa (D-43); Rep. Marc Gergely (D-35); Dennis Davin, Director of Economic Development, Allegheny County; Doug Matthews, Vice President, U. S. Steel; Joseph Vargo, Executive Vice President, PGT Trucking; Jason Norris, Vice President, Dura-Bond Industries; Jim Scott, Senior Vice President, Midstream of Chief Oil & Gas; and others – represent the various stakeholders involved in the shale gas development process. From site location, well preparation and construction, to production, transportation logistics and site completion, the group discussed the host of local businesses necessary for each step of the process.

“U. S. Steel looks forward to the business and economic opportunities presented by the responsible development of the Marcellus Shale,” added Doug Matthews, vice president of Tubular Operations at U. S. Steel.

In a diagram entitled “The Marcellus Multiplier,” the leaders spoke to these separate supply-chain stages individually. Included in the chart (available upon request) were several “Fast Facts” regarding Marcellus development in the Commonwealth, including:

  • $4 million is invested in producing each Marcellus Shale well;
  • At 2,500 wells constructed annually, Pennsylvania can expect to see $10 billion invested in well site operations alone; and
  • Each mile of Marcellus pipeline represents a nearly $1 million investment into PA’s economy.

Jason Norris, vice president of Dura-Bond Industries Inc. said, “Our pipe coating and manufacturing business is well positioned to serve the substantial growth of the Marcellus Shale market.”

“The transportation industry is already seeing increased orders and shipments due to the Marcellus Shale activity in Pennsylvania,” said Joe Vargo, executive vice president of PGT Trucking.

Additionally, the MSC used today’s event to formally unveil its Infrastructure Suppliers Network, which aims to facilitate relationships between natural gas producers, contractors, suppliers and others in an organized manner, to maximize local participation and employment.