Photo Provided This photo, provided by Form Energy, shows the production floor of Form Factory 1 in Weirton. Form Energy confirmed a restructuring of its teams, which officials say will affect some of its employees.

WEIRTON — A small number of workers are being impacted by a restructuring at Form Energy, according to company officials, though the company continues its efforts to fill other positions at the Weirton facility.

Form Energy began trial production of its iron-air battery at Form Factory 1 in September, following more than a year of construction. The company selected Weirton from more than 500 sites across 16 states.

Company officials announced the beginning of its second phase of construction soon after, with eyes toward growing employment and production.

“As part of our normal course of business, our leadership team continuously evaluates how we operate to ensure agility and efficiency at every stage of our company’s evolution,” explained Sarah Bray, vice president of communications and corporate affairs. “This includes assessing available roles and refining how teams are structured to support the successful integration of R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing.”

Bray explained the restructuring involved several teams at the company and resulted in the elimination of some roles, affecting fewer than 5% of the employees, with the goal of improving efficiencies, focusing on top priorities, and maintaining financial viability.

“While we are unable to share additional details out of respect for the individuals involved, what we can share is that Form Energy is growing,” Bray said. “We are actively expanding our team in Weirton as we prepare to start serial production of our iron-air batteries, with first deliveries to customers beginning this year. Today, we have more than 350 team members at Form Factory 1, nearly 40 open roles, and expect to hire many more employees at the factory this year.”

Form Energy has anticipated the creation of 750 jobs as part of its operations in Weirton, with Form Factory 1 located on a 55-acre site once home to the Weirton Steel Corp. open hearth operations.

Its batteries are designed to store approximately 100 hours of energy, provided through the rusting and unrusting or iron, with several utility providers expressing interest before production officially began.

Originally announced in December 2022, Form Energy officially broke ground in May 2023 with a ceremony including company officials and investors, members of the local business and government communities, and representatives of the state and federal governments.

The first steel for the factory was raised in July 2023, with the final beam of Phase 1 raised in February 2024.

Form Energy also has a community benefits agreement with the City of Weirton, and has plans to invest in local educational institutions including West Virginia Northern Community College and the John D. Rockefeller IV Career Center with an eye on offering new coursework and training programs.

An internal upskilling academy also is in development for existing workers, as well as a partnership with the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley to provide support services.