$219 million announced in new economic development investments in West Virginia
August 28, 2024
Three companies plan to invest $219 million in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday afternoon at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s annual business summit in White Sulphur Springs.
The largest investment will be made by Babcock & Wilcox, a global leader in energy and environmental technologies.
“They are making a $125 million investment in Mason County,” Justice said. He did not say where in Mason County B&W might locate, but indicated at as many as 28 jobs would be created initially.
The company’s investment will focus on the deployment of its BrightLoop low-carbon hydrogen technology.
“They will be making hydrogen out of coal,” Justice said.
Justice said the company’s hydrogen production technology uses a novel chemical looping process to produce low-carbon hydrogen, steam, or syngas while isolating carbon dioxide for capture and storage.
“This investment could blossom into a $1 billion investment,” Justice said. “This investment not only creates jobs, but also positions West Virginia to continue being the leader in the energy industry.”
HandCraft to open new facility in Berkeley County
Justice announced HandCraft Services, a Richmond, Virginia-based provider of medical linen and apparel products, will spend $59 million to open a new facility in Berkeley County. The company currently has operations in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.
“This investment will be creating 220 new jobs,” Justice said. “This investment will not only create hundreds of good-paying jobs but also strengthen our state’s reputation as a leader when it comes to the diversity of our economic development projects.”
The family-owned and operated business plans to construct two new plants in West Virginia, according to Justice. He said the first plant is expected to open in 2025 and second is slated to open in 2026.
Woman-owned business invests $35M in Buckhannon
A woman-owned business, Prime 6 — founded by Riki Franco and backed by Canadian businessman and star on the Shark Tank television show Kevin O’Leary — is investing $35 million to build a fireplace log manufacturing facility in Buckhannon, Upshur County.
“This significant $35 million investment is expected to create 75 jobs in the region,” Justice said.
Justice said wood has always been a part of the state’s rich history.
“It has helped shape our economy and way of life for generations,” he said. “Prime 6’s decision to put down roots with their new facility not only carries on that rich tradition, but proves we are the best place to be for growing forward-thinking, sustainable businesses.”
Justice said Prime 6’s new facility is set to begin operations in the coming months, with job openings
to be announced soon
Story by Dred Pace, HD Media