(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Mid-Ohio Valley residents got an unexpected piece of good news Monday, when state and local economic development officials announced the planned establishment of a Somar North America Corp. facility right here in Davisville. The company is one of a growing number of transportation manufacturing facilities finding a home here.

Somar makes an epoxy resin product used in the automotive sector. It plans to invest at least $2.5 million to create 25 jobs at 336 Polymer Way.

“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 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 (Polymer Alliance Zone) park, we can start production and begin serving our U.S. customers promptly.”

Yes, site-readiness is important. Policies that invite employers to do business with West Virginia are important. But as Secretary Mitch Carmichael of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development pointed out, so are our people. Carmichael said Somar’s investment reflects the confidence international companies have in the Mountain State’s strategic advantages AND skilled workforce.

Local residents will note, Somar didn’t just choose West Virginia. The company chose to build its business here in Wood County. That is a credit to the work done by our local elected officials and economic development representatives, too.

And so, to those folks, while we welcome Somar we must also say, keep ’em coming.