Longtime Butler County resident Senya Gaurrich remains optimistic about the future of Westinghouse Electric, although signs point to a rocky road ahead for the nuclear plant developer.
“Everyone who lives in area has seen the changes in Cranberry, and part of it is because of the Westinghouse facility moving in and (the) large number of people that have arrived with it,” Gaurrich said.
Westinghouse employs more than 2,000 people in Butler County, and according to numerous published reports, the company, owned by Toshiba, brought in bankruptcy attorneys this week.
The move comes nearly a month after Toshiba announced a more than $6 billion loss for its nuclear business.
RELATED: Toshiba losses, chairman resignation could have impact on Westinghouse (2/14/17)
Channel 11 reached out to Westinghouse officials about the strength of the company moving forward. A company spokesperson sent a statement saying, "Westinghouse is continuing our normal operations and our base business remains strong."
Cranberry Township leaders said they are paying close attention to what happens to Westinghouse and added, “We don’t know how the company’s current situation will unfold, but the men and women there are highly skilled professionals who will undoubtedly persevere through this difficult time.”
Butler County residents like Gaurrich said that if the company files for bankruptcy and layoffs begin, the ripple effects would be felt immediately
“It does nothing for the economy: more low-paying jobs, homes will be repossessed, cars will be repossessed,” Gaurrich said. “There is no doubt that this has been a growing, vibrant area, and losing them would be very dramatic.”
Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.
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