PecoFacet Expansion Brings Jobs to Cherokee Nation
(left to right) Oklahoma State Senator Jim Wilson, Seth Soltow, director of operations for PecoFacet, Chris Conway, president of PecoFacet, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr., Charlie Soap, group leader of Cherokee Nation Community Services, Jodie Fishinghawk, tribal council member representing Adair County, Bill John Baker, tribal council member representing Cherokee County, Diane Kelley, group leader of Cherokee Nation Career Services and Joe Crittenden, tribal council member representing Adair County.
STILWELL, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation hosted a ground breaking in its industrial park on Friday, March 12, for an expansion of PecoFacet, a company specializing in process filtration products for oil and gas natural resource industries.
The company currently employs 140 people at its Stilwell location, with more than 70 percent of those workers being citizens of Cherokee Nation or other Native American tribes. The planned 60,000 square feet expansion will make way for jobs growth. Corporate representatives say that initially the expansion will allow the addition of more than a dozen new local jobs, with more anticipated in the future.
“The expansion of PecoFacet will bring added economic opportunity to the area,” said Chad Smith, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation. “In addition to this growth, jobs will be created allowing for stronger communities and stronger families.”
“To be able to expand in light of the current economic climate, speaks volumes about the incredible operation and workforce we have here in Stilwell,” said Seth Soltow, director of operations for PecoFacet in Stilwell. “We very much recognize that the core and heart of our workforce is Cherokee. The tribe has played a vital role in the success of PecoFacet on a global scale and for that, we are grateful.”
Several Cherokee Nation Tribal Council members in attendance mentioned that they were very pleased that the expansion will bring the potential for new jobs to rural Cherokee people.
Jodie Fishinghawk, who represents the Adair County on the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council, said that bringing new jobs and economic growth to the area has always been a top priority for her and for fellow Adair County representative Joe Crittenden.
“I am very excited to see the result of all the hard work that led up to this day,” said Fishinghawk. “Our people have always provided an excellent work ethic for companies that recognize the many benefits of locating in our communities. I am excited for both Facet and the people of Stilwell about this expansion and look forward to continuing to work on more positive impacts to our community and more new jobs.”
Crittenden says that he, too, is encouraged that there is job growth in Adair County.
“Unlike other areas, we are seeing growth instead of decline,” said Crittenden. “It speaks well for our people and our work ethic.”
PecoFacet officials agreed. Chris Conway, president of PecoFacet, said that with 16 locations, the company had many options from which to choose for expansion, but the decision to expand its Stilwell location was based on the quality of the available workforce.
“What tipped the scales in favor of expanding the Stilwell location were the work and pride and ability that people have here,” said Conway.
Bill John Baker, who represents neighboring Cherokee County on the tribal council, said that he feels very positive about the PecoFacet expansion.
“Anytime we have the potential to add jobs to a Cherokee community and can help facilitate the process we have hit a home run,” said Baker.
Cherokee Nation is committed to facilitating job growth in local communities. The tribe’s Career Services Group will assist PecoFacet through recruitment and job placement support.
“We hope we can have lots more ground breakings in the future and continue to help expand the economy in this area,” said Smith.