By: Emily Ruth Cole/ County-Courier
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A major milestone was reached today at the new Flash Steel facility as two Bell County natives led the installation of one component of a much larger machine line.
Flash Steelworks is an advanced manufacturing company specializing in ultra-high-strength steel used in both construction and national defense applications. Through a patented process known as Flash Processing, the company transforms standard steel into a material that is stronger, lighter, and more durable than traditional steel. The technology has been validated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, and is being used to produce next-generation materials for industries ranging from automotive manufacturing to military defense. One of the key products expected from the Middlesboro facility is armor-grade steel for the U.S. government, including ultra-hard armor plate designed to meet military standards for ballistic and blast protection. This type of steel is engineered to stop high-velocity impacts while still being weldable and formable — a rare combination that allows it to be used in military vehicles, structural protection systems, and other defense applications.
At the center of today’s progress, Andrew Vanover (Class of 2015) and Caleb Heck (Class of 2016), both Bell County natives and Middlesboro High School alumni, were responsible for lifting and positioning a machine known as a leveler, weighing approximately 77,400 pounds — or about 38.7 tons — inside the facility. The leveler is just one piece of a multi-part production line that will be used in the steel processing and manufacturing operation. Using a 50-ton overhead crane system mounted on a rolling track at the top of the building, the pair carefully maneuvered the massive piece into its permanent location on the factory floor.
The installation highlighted not only the scale of the operation, but also the skill and precision required to handle such equipment. Vanover was the first hire for the facility in November 2023, while Heck followed as the second hire in January 2024. Both have spent the past two years training at the company’s Michigan plant, preparing for the launch of the Middlesboro location. During that time, Vanover and Heck have taken apart and reassembled every nut and bolt on the equipment that makes up the production line, giving them an in-depth understanding of how each component operates and fits together.
Both men also bring military experience that directly translates to the work being done inside the facility. Vanover served in the United States Air Force, where he worked with jets and operated equipment similar to the overhead crane system now used at Flash Steel to lift and position heavy aircraft components. Heck served in the United States Army, where he worked on Bradley Fighting Vehicles — armored military vehicles used in combat — gaining hands-on experience with large-scale machinery and mechanical systems. That combined training and experience was on full display today as the two handled the installation process from start to finish.
“We’ve worked with this equipment for a while now, so it was good to finally get it set in place here,” Vanover said. Heck added, “It’s been a lot of work getting everything ready, but it’s good to see it starting to come together.”
In addition to setting the leveler, Vanover and Heck also installed a digital crane scale system. The scale, which weighs 640 pounds, operates similarly to a postal scale, displaying the exact weight of materials on a digital screen as they are lifted. This system will play a key role in ensuring accuracy and efficiency throughout the production process.
The successful installation marks a significant step forward for the Flash Steel project and reflects continued industrial growth in Middlesboro. It also demonstrates how much closer the project is moving toward becoming a reality for new local job opportunities and economic growth in the region.
Mike Anderson, Director of Business Development and a Bell County resident of 30 years, said the progress being made inside the facility represents more than just construction. “This is the kind of opportunity that changes a community,” Anderson said. “We’re not just building a facility — we’re building careers, creating long-term stability, and bringing advanced manufacturing and national defense work right here to Bell County. Seeing this equipment go in today shows just how close we are to turning that vision into reality.”
The facility is expected to be fully operational for first shift within the next six months. The company is currently accepting applications through Bell-Whitley Community Action and plans to host a job fair at the end of April for those interested in employment opportunities.
For Vanover and Heck, the moment represents more than just progress on a job site — it reflects years of preparation, service, and the opportunity to return home and help build something new in their own community. As additional equipment arrives and more components of the machine line are installed in the coming weeks, the facility moves closer to opening its doors, with local talent leading the way.
