(Editorial - Graphic Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

Something about the relationship between Toyota and West Virginia should be studied by those hoping to expand and diversify our state’s economy. Since the days of former U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller’s encouragement of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing project in Buffalo, W.Va., the partnership between the state and Japan has been rock solid.

Now, Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia is expanding with a nearly half-billion-dollar investment in increasing the assembly of four-cylinder hybrid-compatible engines, sixth-generation hybrid transaxles and rear motor stators.

“What really makes me happy about this is it’s truly an investment in our future,” said David Rosier, group vice president region 5 for Toyota Motor North America and president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia. “There are lots of plants – not only here in the region, but also globally – that also have the ability to make the same kind of components that we do. So, it’s really important for us to be able to compete on a global level, to be able to get investment like this.”

Knowing the growth in demand for hybrid transaxles, Rosier is right to be excited about the possibilities for his company.

“I think, again, the great results that we have, the partnerships we have in the community, the partnership we have with the State of West Virginia, it’s a winning solution, and we’re really proud of it,” Rosier said.

There are still plenty of those around who remember how the Mountain State forged its partnership with Japan and are still able to guide today’s economic development officials — those truly interested in steering West Virginia forward, that is.

Building good relationships and pitching West Virginia as a state with its eyes on the horizon, and bureaucrats and elected officials interested in uplifting the quality of life for everyone is a start. Making sure those with whom we wish to partner know they will be welcomed with open arms is another step.

Sticking to “the way things have always been done” is not what helped us build the relationship (and future) this state has with Toyota. Today that relationship is thriving.

And while we are grateful for it, the excitement can’t help but make us wonder: What’s next?