The old Ward Manufacturing plant on Taber Street & buildings on Main Street in Blossburg, PA. Images by Lonny Frost © October 27, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge).
FNN Article © Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
BLOSSBURG, PA – Ward Manufacturing’s history began in 1924, and the company celebrated its centennial in 2024, for more than 100 years, Ward was more than a factory. it was a lifeline, a stable part of the community, and it was a symbol of strength and determination for decades.
On February 2, 2024, ASC Engineered Solutions, purchased Ward Manufacturing and its facilities in Blossburg, PA. The purchase came with promises of a long prosperous road ahead. Instead, the change in ownership brought an end to the foundry as the employees and community had known it.. The company’s promises of longevity proved short-lived.
By late June 2025, Lexhar Holdings, LCC acting through its circular metal processing and recycling arm, Rytoriacap Inc.) had stepped in and purchased the historic Blossburg iron foundry from ASC Engineered Solutions. Under a lease-back agreement, ASC Engineered Solutions continued some operations at the foundry through the end of 2025 before the site transitioned fully to Rytoria’s industrial expansion strategy.
Rytoria is a strategic partner and corporate operator of Fagor Regen Aluminum (based in Yoe, PA), which is 51% owned by the international automotive component giant Fagor Ederlan Group. Through this partnership the former foundry received a breath of new life on Monday, October 26, 2026, when several dignitaries attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for Fagor Recycling Inc., marking the start of a new chapter in manufacturing in Blossburg, PA.
Rep. Clint Owlett joined local leaders at the ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome Fagor Recycling Inc., to Tioga County, PA. Images by Rep. Owlett’s office © Oct. 26, 2026. (Click on images to enlarge).
Rytoria and its Fagor-associated subsidiaries specialize in non-ferrous and ferrous metal recycling. In Blossburg, the company is reportedly implementing a multiphase integration plan focused on workforce engagement, infrastructure updates, and potential installation of specialized furnaces to process recycled aluminum into high-purity ingots for the automotive and manufacturing industries.
Lorne Kalisky of Fagor Recycling said this step forward represents a partnership between Rytoria and Fagor Ederlan, rather than simply a change of the name from Rytoria to Fagor.
“We are combining our local investment and recycling experience with Fagor Ederlan’s industrial expertise to establish aluminum recycling and alloy production at the former Ward Manufacturing facility,” stated Kalisky.
The recent ribbon cutting marked an important milestone in that effort. The company plans to begin with a focused operation and expand in stages as production develops and customer demand grows.
When asked about operations and employment, Kalisky said the company anticipates starting operations in February 2027, subject to completion of the necessary approvals and commissioning. Fagor Recycling’s initial workforce is expected to consist of approximately 25 to 35 employees, with opportunities for additional positions as the business expands.
Hiring is expected to begin in the next few months. Anyone interested in employment should send an email to Lorne@regenrecycling.com. The company welcomes interest from local residents, including with manufacturing, maintenance and foundry experience.
In addition to Fagor Recycling, a new company called Wardis has been established at the facility. Wardis will buy and sell equipment locally and internationally, as well as offer industrial servicing options. Wardis is also expected to support the broader development of the site and the surrounding manufacturing community.
“We are looking forward to an important project coming to Plant 3, which we hope will bring further reuse of the site and additional benefits to the community,” Kalisky noted.
Fagor Recycling’s approach to future expansion is simple: build a strong foundation, establish reliable production and grow responsibly. Further investment and expansion will depend on customer demand, operating performance and the required approvals, according to Lorne Kalisky.
Fagor Recycling recognizes that Ward Manufacturing helped shape the local community for generations. The company respects that history and the people whose hard work built it. Fagor Recycling’s ambition is to give this facility a productive future and create opportunities for another generation.
The aluminum recycling company sees Blossburg as a place to build lasting businesses. That means creating local employment, working with regional suppliers and service providers, and investing in manufacturing and industrial operations that can grow with the community. The addition of Wardis and the potential development of another production facility also reflects on the company’s commitment to making productive use of the site and creating new opportunities over time.
“Aluminum recycling also gives valuable material another useful life, supporting domestic manufacturing and making better use of existing resources,” exclaimed Kalisky.
“We are grateful for the warm welcome and support we have received. The ribbon cutting was a celebration, but the work ahead is what matters most: bringing this facility back into productive use and earning the community’s confidence through results,” concluded Kalisky after answering FIRST News Now PA’s questions.
FIRST News Now PA extends our gratitude to Lorne Kalisky of Fagor Recycling for taking the time to answer the questions about this new chapter in Blossburg’s long manufacturing history.
Images of the old Ward Manufacturing Plant in Blossburg, PA, is now Fagor Recycling. Images by Lonny Frost © Oct. 27, 2026.
May the future of Fagor Recycling be bright and long in Blossburg, PA. Image by Lonny Frost © Sept. 7, 2017.
