Pemco International will expand its Leesburg plant as part of a restructuring that will add 50 to 60 jobs in Cherokee County.

The company also will move its U.S. headquarters from Baltimore to Leesburg and close its Baltimore plant.

During the next year, the company will phase out production in Baltimore and increase operations in Leesburg, Pemco President Jack McMahon said.

Pemco, which is based in Belgium and has operations around the world, manufactures porcelain enamel for appliances.

McMahon said combining production in Leesburg is more cost-effective for the company.



Leesburg is closer to the company’s major customers, which was a consideration in deciding to consolidate in Leesburg, he said.

Employees in Baltimore have been offered the opportunity to apply for jobs in Leesburg, McMahon said.

“That offer’s on the table. We’ve encouraged people to go ahead and apply,” he said. “We’re very pleased we could keep jobs in the U.S.,” he said.

But the decision to close in Baltimore was a tough one for the company.

“It was difficult. We’ve got good work forces in both plants,” he said.

The Leesburg plant is a newer facility with lower operating costs, McMahon said.



Leesburg Mayor Ed Mackey said the plant expansion is a boost for the town.

Town officials and community leaders have been working on the expansion plans with Pemco for about six months, Mackey said.

“It’s going to mean a lot to us,” he said.

The mayor and community leaders will discuss the Pemco announcement in more detail on Thurs-day, Aug. 17, at 10 a.m. at the Leesburg Pavilion