Business briefs
Kiosks set to quicken clearing customs at PIT
Clearing customs at Pittsburgh International Airport should become easier for some travelers this spring. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be installing two Global Entry kiosks at the airport, allowing pre-approved, lowrisk travelers arriving in Pittsburgh from European or Caribbean destinations to clear customs quickly. Passengers who are enrolled in the Global Entry program will be able to use the kiosks to enter the United States rather than wait in line for a Customs and Border Protection officer. In doing so, they should be able to complete the primary inspection process in less than a minute, the airport said. The kiosks should be available before Delta Air Lines resumes its nonstop service to Paris from Pittsburgh on April 27.
Pipe coatings company acquired by L.B. Foster
Green Tree-based L.B. Foster Co. has acquired Ball Winch Pipeline Services LLC, a specialty pipe coatings company based in Willis, Texas. Ball Winch provides field services to the oil and gas, mining and wastewater industries. L.B. Foster makes and ships construction and transportation materials.
Region’s Salvation Army misses Kettle Campaign goal
The Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Division’s Red Christmas Kettle Campaign fell short of its goal of $2.7 million by $320,000 despite a surge during the campaign’s final week. Salvation Army officials attributed the shortfall to unusually cold weather, a lack of volunteers and a shortened season because of the late Thanksgiving. Contributions can still be made via the Web at www.salvationarmywpa. org.
Hundreds of jobs in forecast as auto glass plant planned
A Chinese company will build an automotive glass-making plant in southwest Ohio, creating about 800 jobs and revitalizing a former General Motors factory site, officials said Friday. The chairman of the Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. and the owner of the site signed an agreement at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. The company is making a $200 million investment at the site near Dayton. The plant is expected to begin operations late next year, employing about 800 people within three years. The General Motors assembly plant employed 1,100 workers when it closed in late 2008.
Also in Business ...
Sally Jewell, the interior secretary and former CEO of outdoor retailer REI, this week announced American Eagle Outfitters has pledged $1 million to a new 21st Century Conservation Service Corps program meant to help provide work and training opportunities on public lands to young people and veterans. ... Eaton Corp. donated the electrical products for a new, 1,500-squarefoot Electric Power Systems Lab at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering.