The New Jersey Zinc Company, Palmerton, announced last night it has entered the petrochemical field and will produce and market anhydrous ammonia as its first product.

After considering a number of locations, the board of directors approved plans for the construction of a 35,000 ton per year anhydrous ammonia plant in Palmerton.

The company’s largest zinc manufacturing facilities are at Palmerton and the new plant is estimated to cost in excess of $4-million.

This represents the beginning of a new and important industry in Carbon County.

The plant is expected to be in operation in 18 months and will employ between 40 and 50 production, supervisory, service and technical personnel.