MM Metals Wins Approval for Keystone Trade Center Expansion

The Falls Township Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on October 26 to approve two land development applications from MM Metals. The approval allows the metals manufacturer to expand its ferrochrome and aluminum facilities at the Keystone Trade Center in Falls Township.

MM Metals is the only domestic producer of ferrochrome in the United States. The company has operated at the Keystone Trade Center since approximately 2022, producing ultra-pure aluminum granules. Since 2025, it has also produced ultra-low-carbon ferrochrome, a material used in specialty steel for aerospace, defense, and energy applications.

The expansion consists of two distinct projects. The first involves a 17,153-square-foot building at 53 Innovation Drive designed to replicate the company’s existing ferrochrome operation. This structure will include equipment pads, silos, receiving areas, and utility infrastructure. The second project entails a 126,543-square-foot aluminum production plant at 49 Innovation Drive. This facility will require a lot-line adjustment adding 18.5 acres to the site, along with parking, storage, and stormwater management systems.

Company representatives stated that the expansion will increase production capacity without relocating existing operations. MM Metals currently employs about 45 people. Following the expansion, the company expects to reach approximately 175 permanent employees. Additionally, the project is expected to generate up to 200 new construction jobs in the coming year.

Michael Devlin, a representative for MM Metals, explained that the ferrochrome serves as a feeder material for specialty steel manufacturers. He noted that while the product supports industries such as rocketry and infrastructure, the company does not hold direct defense contracts. Historically, much of the ferrochrome used in the United States has been imported from Kazakhstan, Russia, and China.

Hiring qualified staff poses a challenge for the company. The operation requires a mix of production workers and specialists, including metallurgists and pyrometallurgists. Devlin stated that the industry has lost generational knowledge, leading to a capability gap. The company is currently seeking about 20 new employees and plans to provide extensive training. It also collaborates with universities for internships and is exploring partnerships with local technical programs in Bucks County.

Residents raised concerns regarding environmental impact and workplace safety during the review process. Vince McCarron, the company’s environmental health and safety manager, addressed these issues. He explained that the finished ferrochrome is hard and does not readily create dust. The company holds an air quality permit for the expansion and is classified as a low emitter. The existing operation underwent environmental review, and the expansion will utilize the same processes.

McCarron acknowledged the inherent risks of working with molten metal. He stated that the company has gone five years without an injury requiring an employee to leave the site for treatment, followed by two relatively minor incidents. Louis Figueroa, who heads operations for MM Metals, shared his career background, noting that he rose through manufacturing ranks rather than a traditional academic path. He cited his professional growth as a positive outcome for his family.

Supervisor Erin Mullen praised the company’s growth during the vote. She mentioned conversations with employees who live near the facility and spoke well of their work environment. Mullen described the expansion as an American success story and expressed support for the company’s continued development.