As many as 70 jobs could be added to the Ironton economy within the next two years.

Anaconda Steel now occupies the building at South Sixth and Ashtabula streets vacated when Tri-America Steel closed its doors.

Wade Kilburn is one of Anaconda’s three owners. He said Anaconda builds structural steel buildings and offers project estimates, general engineering and complete detailing and may offer “a little bit of manufacturing.” The business opened a month ago and has six projects in the works.

“Within a year we hope to have 30-40 jobs and then next year move up to 70,” Kilburn said.

Kilburn said Anaconda is now looking for people who are fluent in reading blueprints as well as detailers and steel fitters.

Kilburn said he got useful assistance from the Ironton Port Authority.

“They’ve been good about helping us and very good about coming around and asking us what we need,” Kilburn said.