The News Journal named top workplaces in Delaware in its annual section, wth Delaware City Refining Co. topping the large employer ranking.
For an overview, stories and information, Click here. For a listing of all top workplaces, Click here.
Delaware City Refining, a large part of PBF Energy, employs about 500. However, the company often has hundreds of additional contractors on site, due to the need to continually maintain the 24-hour-a-day process. In a story on the company, the refiner noted that some contracted positions are moving in house.
PBF, as part of its successful effort to reopen the refinery, which was facing demolition, negotiated an agreement with the union representing many workers at the site. In environmental permitting hearings, PBF workers said the company has improved operations and has a strong track record as an owner.
The half-century-old refinery has been through a number of owners during its history. PBF may have been the most nimble, quickly grasping an opportunity in bringing in crude oil via rail and earning profits in a businesss where margins can quickly evaporate.
Under former owner Valero, the refinery was reportedly losing $1 million a day prior to its closing and a number of refineries on the East Coast remain close or are now being converted to other uses.
Top mid-sized employer was Phillips & Cohen Associates, a 110-employee collections firm with offices in Wilmington.
No. 1 small employer was US Male Modern Barber Shop, a fast-growing local chain that employs about 50.
Nearly 100 employers participated in this year’s survey and about 60 are listed. In the annual section, The News Journal Media group uses data gathered by the firm WorkplaceDynamics, Exton, Pa.
The ranking has drawn fire in the past because it does not include businesses with fewer than 35 employees. Sponsors say the minimum size of 35 is necessary, due to the need to come up with an accurate statistical sample.
