THERE'S A new business in town, the Belmont County Port Authority and the Belmont County Commissioners announced on Tuesday morning during a special press conference at the courthouse.
Gypsum Express LTD is in the ground-breaking process of bringing a new truck terminal to the Shadyside area and plans to hire 70 qualified, CDL-A drivers.
In 1985, Gypsum Express started as a one-owner, sheet rock hauling company in upstate New York. The business started to expand after the world-wide sheet rock company, CertainTeed Corporation, chose Gypsum Express to be their in-house carrier.
“We chose Shadyside as the site to open a new plant from the ground up because it’s located near CertainTeed’s sheet rock plant in Moundsville,” Robert A. Lingyak, Gypsum Express director of recruiting and retention, said.
With seven other terminals and 560 trucks already in commission, Lingyak said he is excited to add Shadyside as the location of their newest terminal.
“Drivers can have a nice, financially secure family atmosphere here,” Lingyak said.
On top of being able to take advantage of a benefits package that includes health care and a 401K plan and a regional program that allows them to be at home on the weekends, drivers will also enjoy an “outstanding pay.”
“There’s no reason a driver can’t make $45,000 or $55,000 a year,” Lingyak said, adding that, when he was a driver for the company, he made more than $60,000 a year.
Lingyak also said that drivers will be paid for mileage rate as well as tarping and untarping their loads.
And with the company starting a “trickle effect” that will influence all local businesses, Lingyak said the whole county will benefit from the company’s arrival.
“We will need doctors to do physicals and drug testing,” Lingyak said. “Our facility has a full-working shop and as we grow with the numbers of 70 drivers, we will need extra mechanics.”
He added that the company will get all of its supplies locally as well.
“We’re very excited to be down here and to work with the people of this county,” Lingyak said.
Port Authority Director Larry Merry offered the same sentiment.
“We’re just thrilled to be a part of this project,” Merry said. “This company will offer living wage jobs. These are the types of jobs we are working on every day to bring to the area.”
The commissioners each offered their gratitude and support to Gypsum Express, as well as gave special credit to Powhatan Point resident Dennis Hendershot of Ohio-West Virginia Excavating for his efforts in helping the Port Authority bring Gypsum Express to Belmont County.
“(Hendershot) has been very instrumental in helping the Port Authority and Gypsum Express to locate in the southern part of Belmont County,” Commissioner Mark Thomas said. “The continued effort by the Port Authority along with the teamwork and cooperation of (Hendershot) is a shining example of how private sector and public sector can work together to help set the table for job creation here in Belmont County.”
For more information on how to apply, visit the Shadyside terminal at 56270 Dillies Bottom Road off of Route 7, or call (877) 345-3403. Interested parties may also visit the Web site at www.GypsumExpress.com.
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Sadler may be reached at bsadler@timesleaderonline.com
