Fowler announces Honeywell Metropolis Works to reopen

METROPOLIS - State Sen. Dale Fowler announced Tuesday that Honeywell's Metropolis Works facility is slated to reopen in 2023.

Fowler, R-Harrisburg, said the reopening of the uranium conversion plant will help boost the economy and create much-needed job opportunities in southern Illinois.

"I know that when the facility originally shut down, we lost dozens of well-paying jobs and the community was hit hard," Fowler said. "Now, after experiencing yet another major hit to our economy and workforce due to the COVID-19 crisis, it's extremely encouraging that the facility is reopening and bringing much-need job opportunities back to the area."

Facility officials announced their intention to restart production in 2023, and anticipate hiring 160 full-time employees by the end of next year.

In its statement announcing their plans to reopen, Honeywell officials stated, "We're proud to bring these jobs back to the Metropolis community to meet the needs of our customers."

The facility halted plant production in 2017, citing significant challenges in the nuclear industry. Honeywell is the only domestic uranium conversion facility in the country, converting uranium ore into UF6.

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller also congratulated the announcement in a news release.

"Metropolis, Illinois is home to the sole uranium conversion plant in the United States, and this announcement is great news for Massac County and our nation," Miller said. "Honeywell plans to hire 160 full-time employees, as well as contractors, by the end of 2022. The reinvestment into Illinois' natural resources is a great step forward in economic recovery."