The recently opened Chobani yogurt plant—the world’s largest—in Twin Falls, Idaho, and several major construction projects—including a new steel mill—in the Youngstown, Ohio, area have been a boon for the skilled Electrical Workers (IBEW) members there who have been a blessing for the construction managers tasked with getting the jobs done quickly and efficiently.

From the time the first IBEW Local 449 members were on the job as construction got under way last February, until the first Greek yogurt cup was churned out in December—more than 350 IBEW members wired up the million-square-foot Chobani plant that sits on 20 acres of land.

Local 449 Business Manager Rodney James tells us, “This project didn’t just help the Twin Falls area, but Local 449 was able to put electricians from all over Idaho and several other states to work on this project.”  

To put together that type of project in that type of time frame takes great planning, organized contractors, skilled labor force and companies like Chobani and Agro Farma that want to invest in our economy and community members. 

He says the timetable to get the plant up and running didn’t faze the workers.

The union electricians are used to being under the gun and having to perform to these types of expectations. This is what we get trained to do. 

James also tells us the Chobani project can serve as an example and help the entire southern Idaho region attract more development and the jobs that come with it.

We hope that with the success of this building, big companies will continue to see that Idaho is a great place to bring your business.

Meanwhile, in a long profile in the Youngstown Business Journal, leaders of IBEW locals 64 and 573 explain how several ongoing and scheduled major construction and renovation projects are keeping their members employed and how they're planning for the future.

Local 64 Business Manager Jim Burgham tells the paper:

We’ve had full employment since the fall of 2011. We’ve seen improvements in all aspects of work—remodeling of existing buildings, store construction, as well as additional projects….They’ll all provide strong employment through 2013 and well into 2014.  

But, while members are on the job, the locals are not ignoring the training and new skills workers will need in the future. Local 573’s Eric Davis, who is also training director with the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, says along with more than 90 graduates of the green energy program, the training center is busy with computer-based safety programs and training on electrical vehicles. He also says they are exploring new training for the oil and gas industry.

Read the full story in the Youngstown Business Journal.