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First Posted: 1/19/2011
MATT HUGHES
A Pittston-based construction company that provides services to the natural-gas drilling industry hired 11 new workers in January and expects to add at least 50 more to its ranks in coming months.
Linde Corp., which has offices in the O’Hara Industrial Park in Pittston and Cross Creek Point in Wilkes-Barre as well as in Honesdale and Carbondale, announced Jan. 10 it is adding 11 new workers to its payroll, including three foreman, three pipe-fitters and several laborers. The new hires will work on and around natural gas drilling sites primarily in Susquehanna and Bradford counties, spokesman for Linde Corp. Kevin Lynn said.
“The company’s really grown like a mushroom in the past 18 months,” Lynn said. “Most construction companies lay-off during the winter months, and here’s a company that’s adding workers.”
The company, founded in 1965, constructs the well pads from which gas companies drill for gas and lays gathering pipelines for gas drillers. The company also uses horizontal directional drilling techniques to lay pipeline below roads and wetlands, in addition to providing general heavy-construction services to a variety of industries.
Linde has laid nearly 40 miles of pipe for natural-gas-drilling companies since June 2009 and has added 50 employees since July of the same year, growing from 175 to 225 workers.
Lynn said the 11 new hires made by the company in January are permanent positions. The company also stated in a press release it plans to hire an additional 50 workers in coming months to keep pace with the natural gas industry.
“Our growth is a perfect example of how the natural gas industry is bringing new vitality to Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Linde Vice President Robert McGraw said in the release.