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DAVISVILLE -- Gov. Jim Justice and officials of Japan-based Somar announced Monday the company will establish a facility in Wood County to manufacture an epoxy resin product used in the automotive sector.
The new facility will be located in Wood County within the Polymer Alliance Zone Industrial Park in Davisville utilizing an existing building for operations. Somar plans to invest a minimum of $2.5 million, creating job opportunities for 25 individuals, according to a press release sent out by the governor's office.
According to a filing from the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office, Somar North America Corporation will be setting up an operation at 336 Polymer Way in Davisville.
"We are thrilled to welcome Somar to West Virginia," Justice said. "We have quickly become a great home for global manufacturers, because we make it very easy for them to succeed.
"I cannot wait to see the positive changes Somar will bring to Wood County and the new opportunities for our hard working citizens. Small businesses are the backbone of the Mountain State, and we'll continue to support them in every way possible."
The company is family-owned and headquartered in Tokyo. It supplies companies such as Toyota and Ford. This strategic move by Somar marks a significant investment in West Virginia's burgeoning automotive and polymer sectors, the press release said.
"We evaluated several options for our U.S. manufacturing facility, and West Virginia's proposals and services were the best among them," Somar Corp.'s President, Mr. Futoshi Sotani, said. "We're so happy with our decision to invest in West Virginia.
"We look forward to growing our North America business from this new location. By leasing an existing building in the PAZ park, we can start production and begin serving our U.S. customers promptly."
Somar's investment reflects the confidence international companies have in West Virginia's skilled workforce and strategic advantages, said Secretary Mitch Carmichael of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development.
"We look forward to a fruitful partnership that benefits both Somar and our state," he said.
Wood County officials are excited about the establishment of the company locally.
"As a long-serving Wood County Commissioner, I have worked with the Japanese companies that have located in our county and appreciate the quality job opportunities they provide for our citizens," Commissioner David Blair Couch said. "I am delighted that Somar has chosen Wood County for this project and look forward to working with them."
The West Virginia Department of Economic Development office has worked closely with Somar for over a year, showcasing West Virginia's competitive advantages and facilitating their decision to choose this state over other contenders, said Mike Graney, Director of the WVDED.
"We appreciated the opportunity to work closely with Wood County Economic Development, the Polymer Alliance Zone, and other partners to bring this innovative company to West Virginia," he said.
An event will be held today from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Polymer Technology Park in Davisville. An invitation sent to local officials from the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone and the Wood County Development Corporation said they "will reveal renovations and new signage already underway at the Polymer Technology Park in Davisville, WV, followed by a lunch with the leadership team at the Parkersburg Country Club (at 12 p.m.)"