A major announcement was made Friday by the developers behind the revitalization of Westview Plaza, formerly known as the Westview Mall, unveiling plans for new construction, a cutting-edge manufacturing site, and the creation of local jobs.
EcoCrete Solutions and DigitalTrade Finance revealed plans to begin producing an innovative construction material on-site, targeting both commercial and residential building sectors.
As redevelopment efforts move forward at the decades-old Westview Plaza, a key feature of the project is a new manufacturing facility anticipated to employ several hundred workers.
EcoCrete Solutions and DigitalTrade Finance will establish a company to manufacture a novel product at the site, company officials confirmed.
The new material, described as lightweight polystyrene concrete, utilizes recycled foam and cement. According to the companies, it is fireproof, bullet-resistant, mold and termite resistant, and requires no additional insulation. The material will be used in constructing the facility itself, which is projected to create 200 jobs.
“With rising demand for this product, we’re ready to offer competitive pay and start hiring immediately,” said EcoCrete Solutions CEO Michael Carter. “This facility will anchor the entire redevelopment project, providing meaningful, well-paying jobs to the community.”
A rezoning application for the project was submitted to the city council earlier this week. Construction is expected to be completed by summer, and developers say the new material could reduce overall building costs by up to 30 percent.
“We need to revitalize our city and generate new revenue streams,” said District 5 Riverton County Supervisor Angela Turner. “This project is a win for both the city of Riverton and the surrounding county.”
Carter noted that the manufacturing facility will be located at the rear of Westview Plaza, between Commerce Drive and Oak Street.
Entry-level positions at the facility will start at $19 per hour.
A series of job fairs will be held January 13-15, with the first taking place on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Riverton Community Health Center.
