Signal International plans to hire workers

PASCAGOULA — Signal International in Jackson County wants to hire at least 200 people over the next six months to join its team.

The marine and fabrication company won a multimillion dollar contract this month to build up its work force. The new hires are excepted give South Mississippi’s economy a much needed boost.

WLOX-TV reported on Sunday that Signal International is on the hunt now for skilled workers to handle the company’s workload.

“We are hiring and yes, that is a good thing,” Chief Operating Officer Ronald Schnoor said.

Schnoor said about 600 people are already employed at the marine and fabrication yard in Jackson County. Signal wants put an extra 200 more workers on the payroll.

“Pipefitters, welders, blasters, painters, electricians, machinists; in addition to that, we are hiring management personal, engineers,” he said.

Schnoor said thanks to the company’s new $32.5 million contract requires workers to give an old drilling ship a facelift.

“Every aspect of the ship will be touched in part by us; refurbished, repaired, renewed,” he said.