West Virginia Scores with Today’s Trifecta Economic Development Announcements
January 12, 2022
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce is applauding today’s trifecta of economic announcements that three new companies are opening facilities in West Virginia, investing money and creating jobs.
Nucor Steel, the largest steel manufacturer in the United States, is building its largest facility in West Virginia. The historic project, located in Mason County, will be a $2.7 Billion investment that will create over 800 permanent jobs and 1,000 construction jobs.
West Virginia Chamber President Steve Roberts stated, “This is a testimony to West Virginia and the best attributes of our state. This is the type of economic development announcement that we have been striving for in West Virginia and knew would come with the right policies in place.”
GreenPower Motor Company Inc. will manufacture zero-emission, all-electric school buses in South Charleston. The company says it will create up to 200 new jobs this year and up to 900 jobs when full production is reached in two years. GreenPower estimates that the economic impact would reach to the tune of $500 million per year.
Roberts continued, “This is a day that signals more than any other that West Virginia is in the game. This announcement is a large step in working to diversify our economy and bring more great-paying jobs to the state.”
The third major announcement of the day was that WVU Medicine and Owens & Minor, Inc., a leading global healthcare solutions company, would be launching a healthcare products preparedness center in Morgantown that will create over 125 jobs. The project also represents a $50 million investment in healthcare for the state.
Roberts stated, “This partnership is fantastic news for the Morgantown area. The Chamber has a long-standing and great relationship with WVU Medicine and we could not be more excited as they constantly strive to innovate, form new relationships with outstanding employers, and provide quality healthcare to our citizens.”
Roberts continued, “Since 2015 we have made significant progress on ensuring fair and predictable courts, improving education opportunities and outcomes, and creating a competitive tax system that incentivizes development. The Legislature also worked to ensure 21st Century employment practices. These policy improvements are the reason we are celebrating today.”
Roberts concluded, “I cannot give enough thanks or sing high enough praise for the many individuals who worked on this important project. That includes Governor Jim Justice, Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael, all those at the West Virginia Development Office, Senate President Craig Blair, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and so many others. Their tireless work, both on the policy front and on the actual attracting of jobs, is appreciated by so many.”
Members of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce are your small business neighbors. Chamber members employ over half of our state’s workforce and are found in every county and region of our state. More information on the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce can be found at www.wvchamber.com.