A substantial Niles employer said building the Keystone XL pipeline would mean more jobs for his company and, consequently, more employment opportunities for Niles area residents.

Keith Stelter, co-owner of Delta Industrial Valves in Niles, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday that his company could double in size over the next 10 years if the pipeline project were to move forward.

Stelter was one of five experts witnesses who offered testimony during the Subcommittee on Energy and Power’s hearing on H.R. 3, the Northern Route Approval Act.

The bill, if passed, would clear all remaining federal roadblocks preventing the construction of the 1,700-mile pipeline, including eliminating the need for a Presidential Permit.

Proponents of the bill say the pipeline would create jobs and decrease the country’s dependence on foreign oil, while opponents say it would be harmful to the environment.

While Delta Industrial Valves are not used in oil pipelines, Stelter said his company’s valves are used in facilities on both ends of the pipelines.

“The completion of the Keystone XL pipeline is very important to us and many, many other American companies,” said Stelter in his testimony.

Stelter attributed a significant amount of his business growth to projects in the oil sands-producing area of Western Canada, where his products are needed.

“Not only has this increased business helped Delta Industrial Valves, directly, but, because of our growth, we have also been able to increase our purchases of goods and services with other companies in the area,” he said.