Thomas Steel Strip Moves into Batteries

Steelmaker buys into “Voltage Valley” concept

By Terry Troy

Add Thomas Steel Strip (TSS), a subdivision of international steelmaker Tata Steel, to the list of companies buying into the concept of the “Voltage Valley” in the Mahoning Valley. The company last week announced plans for expansion in Warren, a city that has seen rough times but is on the rebound. The company is adding 42 jobs while retaining 220 positions to support the company’s entry into the rechargeable battery market.

While TSS has a long history in Trumbull County, it is also taking advantage of the rechargeable battery market, as more electric vehicles come online. The area is also home to Lordstown Motors, which has already begun stamping and welding for its all-electric Endurance Pickup, with full production slated to begin in September. TSS also produces cold-rolled and plated steel products for automotive, construction, packaging, engineering and other industries.

“Thomas Steel Strip has been in Warren, Ohio for nearly 100 years. TSS offers a wide range of electroplated steel which is incorporated in products we use in our everyday lives like, alkaline and rechargeable batteries, automotive application, sporting ammunition and decorative products,” said Michael Morris, TSS president and CEO. “TSS is extremely excited to have worked with Team NEO, JobsOhio, The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and Congressman Tim Ryan on this exciting expansion of our company. Thanks to collaboration like this we feel certain we will achieve this goal.”

“The Mahoning Valley is rapidly being recognized as America’s ‘Voltage Valley.’ The clean and renewable energy revolution will help reshape our region’s economy, revitalize our workforce, and address global energy and environmental concerns,” said Congressman Tim Ryan. “I commend Thomas Steel Strip for the vision to embrace these emerging technologies. Equally, I would like to thank JobsOhio, Team NEO and all the economic development partners that helped pave the way for this remarkable occasion.”

“We are pleased to have collaborated with our local and regional partners to help Thomas Steel Strip navigate the resources that supported this project,” said Shea MacMillan, director of economic development projects for the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. “Seeing a local company grow into the rechargeable battery market speaks to their creativity and perseverance.”

“Thomas Steel Strip knows this area and recognizes not only the quality of our regional workforce of 2 million-plus, but also the growing momentum in the Voltage Valley, as companies develop innovative technologies to meet the needs of emerging markets,” added Bill Koehler, CEO of TeamNEO. “Along with our local partners and JobsOhio, Team NEO looks forward to ensuring this forward-thinking company’s continued success in Warren.”

Thomas Steel Strip Corp. (TSSC), located in Warren, is one of the world’s leading experts in the production of cold-rolled and electro-plated steel products, including Nickel, Nickel-Cobalt, and Nickel-Zinc.

Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization accelerating business growth and job creation throughout the 18 counties of the Northeast Ohio Region.