Manufacturing
By Bill Bissett , Ed . D ., President , West Virginia Manufacturing Association
A word like renaissance can evoke eyerolls , but when discussing the state of manufacturing in West Virginia , it ’ s the perfect word as a rebirth is happening .
With new companies moving into the state such as Nucor , Precision Castparts Corp . and Form Energy , West Virginia continues its legacy as a state that makes products people and companies need . From handmade wooden furniture to automobiles , the members of the West Virginia Manufacturing Association ( WVMA ) represent companies and employers that touch lives every day . While the chemical industry remains a major portion of the state ’ s manufacturing economy and has expanded in recent years , diversification is also occurring in new sectors such as technology and energy production .
An ongoing challenge for manufacturers across the U . S . is finding the necessary workforce to produce their products . The WVMA and its membership work with elected leaders to solve ongoing challenges like child care , housing and transportation . An increased emphasis on postsecondary education is also critical as the next generation is prepared to benefit from the opportunities provided by West Virginia manufacturing .
With a nearly $ 9 billion economic impact , West Virginia manufacturers offer opportunities that attract a loyal workforce with an average annual compensation of $ 78,330 .
Total Workforce : 47,005 GDP Contribution : $ 8.7 million
* Top Abrasive Product Manufacturing Employers : 1 . The Chemours Company FC , LLC 2 . Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company 3 . Mylan-Upjohn-Viatris-Pfizer 4 . Allegheny Wood Products 5 . Weyerhaeuser NR Company
* Top Measuring & Controlling Device Manufacturing Employers : 1 . Toyota Motors Manufacturing West Virginia 2 . Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation 3 . Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood LLC 4 . Cleveland-Cliffs , Inc . 5 . Huntington Alloys Corporation
Technology
By Jim Estep , President & CEO , High Technology
Foundation
West Virginia has recently experienced a plethora of much-needed economic investment in a variety of industries , one being the knowledge sector . Just after the new year , Governor Jim Justice announced that the state of West Virginia and LG Electronics ’ North America Innovation Center were launching a strategic initiative to grow
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