It has been a year and a half since the Canadian green manufacturing company, Nexii, chose the City of Hazleton for its first U.S.-based manufacturing facility. Company Principal John Wolfington said the manufacturer is on track to fulfill its goals and currently employs more than 100 people at the Hazleton plant.

Nexii produces pre-fabricated panels using a lowcarbon alternative to traditional building materials such as concrete or steel. These panels are strong, lightweight, and low-carbon, as well as fire- and water-resistant.

The eco-driven building solution start-up has invested $20 million in its Hazleton facility and is currently locating other U.S. plants in Dallas, Louisville, and Pittsburgh. “Everything is going well right now as we are in full production to produce panels for multiple jobs,” Wolfington said. “Hazleton was an ideal location because of its proximity to New York and the Northeastern parts of the country.” He continued on to say that the Hazleton Heights facility was key to their development due to the existing infrastructure, such as high ceilings and on-site crane access needed to hit their accelerated deadline.

“Mark Minnig and Hazleton City Mayor Jeff Cusat have been a big help since the beginning of the project,” he said.

Minnig, CAN DO’s Director of Business Development, and other members of the CAN DO organization met with the Nexii team at the Hazleton plant in December as part of the Engage! program, an industry-focused initiative designed to proactively listen to businesses and identify their opportunities and challenges so targeted technical assistance and solutions may be offered.