Jobs Coming Back to Old Valero Site

Jobs are coming back to the old Valero Plant in Delaware.

About 550 people lost their jobs right before last Thanksgiving when the refinery suddenly shut down.

With a ceremonial turning of the valve Tuesday morning, the plant was officially handed over to PBF Energy Co. who plan on hiring hundreds of employees.

“This was a team effort to bring both energy and opportunity back to this site,” said Gov. Jack Markell.

The plant owner, Thomas O’Malley thanked Markell for his continued support. This transition, “is the greatest example I’ve seen of labor, management and government working together to create jobs and provide renewed strategic strength in our country,” said O’Malley.

About 700 full-time and part-time jobs should be created at the refurbished plant.

The $220-million deal should lead to the hire of 500 full-time and 175 to 200 part-timers during the next year. The new jobs could bring hope to hundreds of families affected by the closing.

“After the closure was announced, our neighbors approached me to ask for help because it was a disaster for their families and our community.  Today, help has come and hope has returned to Delaware City,” said New Castle County Executive Chris Coons.

There’s a long road ahead in getting the plant back to life but PBF plans to invest $130 million in the restoration process in hopes to make the facility cleaner and more efficient.

If all goes as planned the refinery should be up and running by April 2011, according to officials.

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