West Virginia is writing a new chapter in its economic story – one built on innovation and the intentional diversification of its industrial base.
“We’ve had great progress in the last several years,” said Steve Roberts, president of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “The level of investment we’re seeing from some of the world’s largest companies speaks volumes about the state’s direction and potential.”
Across different business sectors, the state’s approach to economic development acts as a high-touch concierge service, helping global companies solve everything from permitting to workforce needs. With billions in investment underway and thousands of jobs created or projected, West Virginia’s industrial landscape is evolving – and thriving.
In Apple Grove, Nucor is building the largest capital project in West Virginia history. Originally a $2.7 billion investment, the steel mill has now grown to a $4 billion venture. Construction is over 50% complete, with more than 2,000 contractors currently on site. The company has already hired 300 employees toward its goal of 800 full-time jobs, with hundreds more expected in the supplier network.
“Nucor’s decision to invest here is no accident,” Roberts said. “They saw a state that was pro-growth, business-friendly and ready to deliver a skilled workforce. This project will have ripple effects throughout the economy.”
Full operations are slated to begin by the end of 2026.
Form Energy’s high-volume battery manufacturing facility in Weirton, known as Form Factory 1, is quickly becoming a cornerstone of West Virginia’s emerging clean energy economy. With around 400 employees on site and plans to scale to at least 750, the company is preparing to start shipping its first iron-air batteries this year – which have already been sold to a power company.
“This battery is a game-changer,” Michael Graney, executive director of the West Virginia Economic Development Office said. “It can store power for up to 10 days – much longer than standard batteries.”
With $150 million in DOE funding and a product that’s both simple and revolutionary, Form Energy is putting West Virginia at the forefront of long-duration energy storage.
Eight years into operations, P&G’s massive 2.5 million-square-foot facility in Berkeley County is running one of the most advanced manufacturing operations in the country.
“This facility has proven that global manufacturers can succeed and grow in West Virginia,” Roberts said. “They make some of the world’s most well-known household products.”
The plant employs more than 2,000 people and continues to expand its automated production lines. Strategic partnerships, like the one with Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, have helped build a robust talent pipeline.
“P&G’s facility here is legacy-scale,” Graney noted. “It’s one of the most sophisticated in the world – and they chose to build it in West Virginia.”
Chemours located in Wood County continues to be a pillar of West Virginia’s chemical manufacturing industry. With over 730 employees, the company’s Washington Works site recently expanded its production of Teflon fluoropolymers – materials essential to the production of semiconductor chips used in everything from smartphones to defense systems.
“Having the only U.S. site making this critical material is a big deal,” said Roberts. “It keeps us competitive and deepens our role in global supply chains.”
The expansion not only secures Chemours’ place in the tech supply chain but also drives workforce renewal.
“We’re encouraging younger generations to see these opportunities – jobs that pay $80,000 a year – and build careers in advanced materials and tech,” Graney said.
For over 25 years, Toyota’s Buffalo plant has been a model of advanced manufacturing in West Virginia. With a total investment now exceeding $2.8 billion, the facility employs more than 2,000 people and recently announced an $88 million expansion to produce next-generation hybrid transaxles.
“This plant is one of only two in the world authorized to manufacture these gears – the other is in Japan,” Graney said. “That’s a testament to the quality of our workforce.”
Toyota’s ongoing commitment highlights West Virginia’s role in the global green vehicle market and its readiness to lead in clean tech manufacturing.
“These five companies are part of a bigger story,” Graney said. “We’re seeing true industrial diversification and innovation here in West Virginia.”
From battery tech and clean energy to precision manufacturing and supply chain growth, the state is intentionally building economic clusters in sectors like aerospace, energy and advanced materials. New initiatives, including microgrid legislation and workforce programs like the Power Tech Initiative, aim to prepare students for high-paying jobs.
“We’re pursuing a TEAM strategy – Technology, Energy, Advanced Manufacturing – and we’re just getting started,” Graney stated. “Commerce Secretary Matt Herridge, Deputy Secretary Nicholas Preservati and I are proud to continue and build on this growth and follow Governor Morrisey’s TEAM strategy to create generational impact in West Virginia.”
Megan Archer is a freelance writer and the president and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.