米国ウエストバージニア州　経済開発省 List of Products and Services

The West Virginia State Government's Japan Representative Office is responsible for attracting Japanese companies and supporting them after their entry. The state has a thriving automotive, chemical polymer, aerospace, and energy industry, and many companies from Japan and Europe have established operations here. However, deciding on a location for expansion is not easy. It is important to carefully consider what benefits can actually be gained. This time, as hints for that consideration, we have prepared 19 recent case studies focusing on the automotive sector from 2022 to 2025. We have included numerous testimonials from our clients. Please feel free to download and take a look. ■ Featured Case Studies (excerpt) - Toyota Motor Corporation - NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. - Nucor Corporation 【Exhibition Information】 The West Virginia Economic Development Office will exhibit at Automotive World 2026 Tokyo (January 21-23, Tokyo Big Sight). Representatives from our home country will visit Japan to introduce the latest information and benefits of expansion. Two expanding companies (Diamond Electric Holdings and Japan Tungsten) will also exhibit jointly. We look forward to your visit. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce a case of establishing an advanced distribution center at Premium Guard Inc. (TN). The automotive industry is expected to exceed $4 billion to $5 billion by 2025, strengthening its ability to respond to the growing market demand. The automotive aftermarket is robust and highly resilient, maintaining stability even amid economic difficulties. 【Case Overview】 ■Investment Amount: US$300 ■New Employment: 100 people ■Location: Weirton, WV *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

Here is an update on the investment in Nucor. The facilities include a cold tandem mill and a plating line (equipped with an electric arc furnace and a zinc plating line). Appalachian Power plans to establish a new substation on-site to meet the power demands of the steel mill, particularly for the arc furnace. The advantages of river transport and logistics locations are reasons for the expansion, as they enhance supply capabilities to many customers in the Midwest and Northeast. 【Overview of the Project】 ■ Total investment amount: US$3.1 billion ■ Number of employees: 2,000 during construction, 800 full-time after completion ■ Site area: 1,700 acres ■ Start of operations: 2027 ■ Factory production capacity: 3 million tons per year / 84-inch plate steel / production of thin plates for the automotive, home appliance, construction, and heavy machinery industries ■ Economic impact: Generates $2.5 billion annually *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce the progress of Gestamp, a multinational company specializing in the design, development, and manufacturing of metals for the automotive industry, regarding the expansion of its production line for electric vehicles (EVs). Using advanced robotics in laser technology, we are upgrading the equipment and technology of the hot stamping line, which includes highly safe and lightweight overlapped door rings. As for the construction status, the expansion work is 85% complete. In terms of community contribution activities, we are collaborating with local schools and universities to provide students with opportunities to engage with the company. 【Case Overview】 ■ Investment Amount: US$69 million ■ New Employment: 130 people ■ Location: South Charleston, WV ■ Construction Status: Expansion work is 85% complete *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to provide an update on the commencement of construction for Form Energy's (MA) battery manufacturing plant, Factory 1. Weirton has historically been well-suited for the steel industry due to its geographical infrastructure and expertise in producing excellent products from iron. It was selected from over 500 site candidates across 16 states, partly because of its proximity to the existing pilot plant (PA). As part of our community contribution activities, we are continuing to collaborate with local educational institutions to develop future employees in the energy manufacturing sector. 【Overview of the Project】 ■ Investment Amount: US$760 million ■ Location: Weirton, WV (site of the former Weirton Steel Plant) ■ Products Manufactured: Iron air batteries ■ Site Area: 55 acres ■ New Employment: 750 positions *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

Berkshire Hathaway Energy (IA) provides an update on renewable energy in the microgrid power supply industrial park. With a 106MW solar array and a 50MW battery system, the microgrid facility will meet 70% of its expected energy demand and supply power to TIMET's titanium melting facility within the park. Additionally, as part of its community contribution activities, BHE Renewables and the BHER Foundation have invested over US$1 million in local schools, non-profit organizations, and community events. [Case Summary] ■ Location: Ravenswood, WV ■ Area: 2,000 acres ■ Investment Amount: US$ 500 million ■ New Jobs: 100 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

Here is an update on the investment in Nucor Steel West Virginia. The advantages of river transportation and logistics locations have led to expansion due to the ability to supply many customers in the Midwest and Northeast. As part of community contribution activities, we are exploring partnerships for workforce development, supporting local communities and schools, continuing over 550 hours of community service activities, and offering 20 education and STEM programs focused on the local area. 【Overview of the Project】 ■ Total Investment: US$3.5 billion ■ Facilities: Cold tandem mill, galvanizing line ■ New + Additional Employment: 900 positions, operational start in late 2026 ■ Factory Production Capacity: 3 million tons per year / 84-inch sheet steel / production of thin sheets for the luxury car, home appliance, construction, and heavy machinery industries *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

Nihon Tokushu Tōgyō (Japan Special Ceramics) will grandly open its Sharp Logistics Center. This logistics center has introduced an advanced robotic picking system. Additionally, it prioritizes environmental protection, incorporating advanced HVAC systems and solar power generation systems. It will supply aftermarket products to distributors and retailers in the automotive industry across the eastern United States. [Case Overview] ■ Location: Sissonville, WV, within the existing factory site ■ Building Area: 75,000 sqft. ■ New Employment: 30 people ■ Construction Start: 2023 ■ Supply Area and Product Information: Aftermarket products for distributors and retailers in the automotive industry across the eastern United States *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce a case of an additional investment of 12.5 billion yen in Toyota Motor Corporation's (Japan) West Virginia plant, which has strengthened human resource development. A donation of $100,000 was made to MAMC. We aim to expand recruitment activities for skill programs and promote careers in advanced manufacturing. A new assembly line for core components of hybrid vehicles will be established to produce the 6th generation hybrid transaxle for Toyota and Lexus vehicles. [Case Overview] ■ Location: Buffalo, WV ■ Additional Investment: $88 million (approximately 12.5 billion yen) ■ Investment Details: Establishment of a new assembly line for core components of hybrid vehicles ■ Production Parts: 6th generation hybrid transaxle for Toyota and Lexus vehicles ■ Production Start: Late 2026 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We will introduce a case of large-scale expansion by NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. The NITERRA NORTH AMERICA West Virginia plant is the North American headquarters for the assembly of spark plugs and oxygen sensors, boasting world-class quality. Established in 1994, it has grown from an initial 90 employees to over 500 permanent employees and 70 temporary employees. Even during the pandemic, it did not experience layoffs or temporary furloughs, protecting the employment of state residents. A new state-of-the-art logistics center will have its grand opening in May 2025. [Case Overview] - Location: Sissonville, WV, within the existing plant site - Building Area: 75,000 sqft - New Employment: 30 people - Construction Start: 2023 - Progress Status: Grand opening of the new logistics center in May 2025 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce a case where Clean Vision (CA) has expanded into a PCN hub facility. This facility serves as an appropriate base for accepting and processing waste plastics from the Mid-Atlantic region through rail, land, and river transport. The reasons for this expansion include historical leadership in energy production and strategic location/incentives. Additionally, the global plastic pyrolysis market is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.1% from 2024 to 2030. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Belle, WV ■ Investment Amount: Over $50 million ■ Area: 9 acres of land / 62,000 sqft of building ■ New Employment: 40 positions ■ Start of Operations: Q3 2025 ■ Processing Capacity: From 50 tons per day to a maximum of 400 tons *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce the case of Premium Guard's expansion into its third logistics hub in North America. The company, established in 1996, is a manufacturer of aftermarket automotive oil, air, fuel, transmission filters, wiper blades, power steering components, automotive tools, and other car supplies and accessories. They expanded due to the ability to increase production capacity and expand distribution to Canada. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Weirton, WV ■ Investment Amount: US$3 million ■ Site Area: 375,000 sqft (former rue21 distribution center building) ■ New Employment: 100 people ■ Start of Operations: July 2025 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce a case where further increased investment in Nucor, along with infrastructure improvements such as port enhancement and water treatment by the state government, has benefited companies considering expansion around the factory. The reason for expansion is the advantages of river transportation and logistics location, providing supply capabilities to many customers in the Midwest and Northeast. The number of new and additional jobs is 900. As of December 19, 2024, 300 people are employed, and there are 1,000 contractors at the construction site. [Case Overview] - Total investment amount: US$3.5 billion - Equipment: Cold tandem mill, plating line - New and additional jobs: 900 As of December 19, 2024, 300 people are employed, and there are 1,000 contractors at the construction site. - Start of operations: Late 2026 - Factory production capacity: 3 million tons per year / 84-inch plate steel / production of thin plates for the automotive, home appliance, construction, and heavy machinery industries. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

SPARKZ (CA) has secured a grant of $9.8 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for cobalt-free recycled lithium-ion batteries at the company's first manufacturing facility. The grant is part of 14 projects (totaling $428 million in large-scale investments) aimed at "accelerating clean energy manufacturing in the U.S., decarbonizing American industry, and addressing vulnerabilities in critical energy supply chains." Similar investments are being made in other states, targeting communities with retired coal facilities. The grant will be used to employ and train unemployed coal industry workers and to establish a neutrality agreement with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA). 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Taylor County, WV ■ Facility Size: 482,000 Sqft. Reusing the AGC (glass factory) that closed in 2009 ■ New Jobs: 75 ■ Products: Cobalt-free recycled lithium-ion batteries for forklifts and agricultural machinery *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce the progress of Phase 1 of the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub <ARHC2> at the Hydrogen Hub (USA). The duration is 1.5 to 3 years. Hope Gas (gas company) is collaborating with Watt Fuel (fuel cell manufacturer) and EQT (natural gas production company) to produce hydrogen from natural gas and supply it mixed in the local supply system for residential fuel cells. Hog Lick Aggregates (natural resource drilling) will develop a clean fuel service garage for hydrogen equipment, trucks, and buses. 【Four Objectives of the Hydrogen HUB】 ■ EMISSIONS REDUCTION ■ QUALITY JOB GROWTH ■ ENERGY SECURITY ■ POSITIVE COMMUNITY IMPACT *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce a case where Hand Craft Service, a major provider of medical linens and apparel products, has expanded its facilities. The company manages over 11 million pounds of linen annually across 143 hospitals and more than 2,500 non-acute medical facilities, utilizing high-tech systems and environmentally friendly practices. West Virginia was chosen for this expansion due to its strength and potential as a hub for business and innovation in the healthcare industry. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Berkeley County, WV ■ Investment Amount: US$59 million ■ New Jobs: 220 ■ Schedule: Opening of the first factory in 2025 and the second factory in 2026 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce a case where Prime6 has entered the upcycling charcoal manufacturing industry using wood chips. Operations will begin in the fall of 2024. We will upcycle wood chips into high-quality products for the hospitality industry. Additionally, our products are USDA certified. Please feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries. 【Case Overview】 ■Location: Buckhannon, WV ■Investment Amount: US$35 million ■New Employment: 75 people ■Schedule: Operations to begin in the fall of 2024 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce a case where Babcock & Wilcox (OH) has entered the hydrogen production plant market with new technology. Oxygen carrier particles undergo oxidation and reduction, generating hydrogen from steam while separating CO2. Hydrogen is produced using the "Bright Loop" low-carbon hydrogen technology, where CO2 is captured and stored. There are 28 new jobs created, with plans for future expansion. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Mason County, WV ■ Investment Amount: US$125 million ■ New Jobs: 28, with plans for future expansion ■ Product: Hydrogen production using Bright Loop low-carbon hydrogen technology *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce the establishment of the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub (ARHC2) headquarters office in West Virginia. ARHC2 is one of seven hydrogen hubs (H2HUB) being created across the United States. It is an initiative to support the development of a safe and clean hydrogen ecosystem in the Appalachian region (WV, PA, OH). It contributes to strengthening the clean hydrogen production, storage, and supply system in the region. ARHC2 will produce hydrogen from the vast natural gas reserves in the Appalachian region. The carbon emitted during the production process will be permanently captured and stored. Hydrogen pipelines, multiple hydrogen stations, and CO2 permanent storage facilities will be constructed. [Case Overview (Partial)] - Headquarters Location: Morgantown, WV - Number of Hydrogen Production Sites: 10 within West Virginia (connected by pipelines) - Locations include: Belle in Kanawha County, Follansbee in Brooke County, Washington in Wood County, Point Pleasant in Mason County, and Fairmont in Marion County. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

Toyota Motor Corporation (Japan) has started production at its fifth-generation hybrid transaxle factory. The investment amount for engine and drivetrain components for the North American business is $2 billion, and the investment for the assembly of the new transaxle exceeds $300 million (included in the plans announced in 2021 and 2022). The vehicles equipped with this technology are the new Camry and Corolla Cross. [Summary of the case] ■ Investment amount for engine and drivetrain components for the North American business: $2 billion ■ Investment amount for the assembly of the new transaxle: over $300 million ■ Equipped vehicles: new Camry, Corolla Cross *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

We would like to introduce the case of Cleveland-Cliffs, a major North American steel manufacturer, establishing a state-of-the-art transformer production facility in West Virginia. The company is focusing on high-value thin plate products, particularly for the automotive industry, and has entered the market to address the severe shortage of distribution transformers across the United States. With the necessary infrastructure in place and a world-class, highly trained workforce, the state’s legislation and administration have implemented this quickly and efficiently. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Weirton, WV ■ Investment Amount: US$150 million (of which US$50 million is a forgivable loan from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development) ■ New Jobs: 600 ■ Production: Three-phase distribution transformer production set to commence in the first half of 2026 ■ Procurement: Using stainless steel and carbon steel manufactured at the company’s own steel mills (OH, MI, IN) *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other services

This document summarizes the locational advantages and basic information about the manufacturing industry in West Virginia. It includes a wealth of information such as access to natural resources, low turnover rates in manufacturing, the highest homeownership rate in the nation, high business survival rates, low disaster risk, strategic locations close to major markets, and robust support for the manufacturing sector. We also feature testimonials from customers who have chosen West Virginia, so please use this information when considering expansion into the manufacturing industry in the United States. [Contents] ■ Basic information about West Virginia ■ State government service support before expansion ■ State government service support after expansion ■ Locational advantages ■ Japanese companies *For more details, please download the PDF or feel free to contact us.

• others

As companies globalize, many are considering local production in North America as one of the options they must explore in the near future. However, even when it comes to the United States, some companies may be struggling to determine the criteria for choosing a location, which can hinder their overseas expansion. To provide insights into solving such challenges, we have compiled easy-to-understand examples of companies that have announced their entry or expansion within the last year and a half. We will introduce why West Virginia was chosen as a manufacturing base, not only from Japan but also from Europe, Asia, and within the United States, including reasons for expansion or growth, investment scale, and number of employees. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.*

• Other services

Introducing the case of the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub "ARHC2," which spans the states of West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania (Headquarters: Morgantown, WV). At ARHC2, hydrogen will be produced from the vast natural gas reserves lying in the Appalachian region. Hydrogen pipelines, multiple hydrogen stations, and CO2 permanent storage sites will be constructed. The reason for selection is its strategic location, being part of a major industrial hub in the United States, a transportation nexus, and rich in natural gas, making it one of the seven regions chosen from 23 finalists. 【Case Overview】 ■ Employment: 21,000 people (18,000 construction jobs / 3,000 permanent jobs) ■ Maximum investment amount: US$925 million ■ Production site locations within WV (10 sites across 5 counties): Kanawha, Brooke, Wood, Mason, Marion ■ Hydrogen production volume: 3 million tons annually for the H2 Hub *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Municipal services and business location

We would like to introduce the case of US Methanol (WV) completing the Liberty One plant. The methanol produced by the company is a very clean fossil fuel due to its high combustibility and high biodegradability. The reasons for their expansion include abundant natural resources, existing infrastructure, an environment that prioritizes economic activity, and already having local know-how, making it competitive as a manufacturing base. 【Case Overview (Partial)】 ■ Location: Institute Industrial Park, WV ■ Investment Amount: $250 million ■ New Employment: 60 people ■ Product: Methanol ■ Product Features: Very clean fossil fuel due to its high combustibility and high biodegradability. *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Municipal services and business location

We would like to introduce the hydrogen project by Fidelis New Energy (TX), which includes the construction of a hydrogen production facility (Mountaineer Gigafactory Project) and a data center complex (Monarch Cloud Project). Both facilities are being built in Mason County, WV. The reason for choosing this location is that "WV is at the forefront of energy and chemical production in the United States. It is a natural choice for our project." The Monarch Cloud Project features the operation of a carbon-neutral data center by utilizing H2PowerCool technology powered by net-zero hydrogen produced at the Mountaineer Gigafactory. [Project Overview (Partial)] ■Investment Amount: US$2 billion ■Planned Expansion Phases: 4 phases ■New Jobs: 800 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• others

We would like to introduce a case where Helicon Chemical (FL) has entered as a rocket fuel development base. The company develops propellant binders that enhance the performance of missiles, rockets, and military supplies for government and private customers. Their technology enables solutions to the development challenges of existing military equipment and future hypersonic weapon programs, which are priority research and development issues for the Department of Defense. One reason for their entry is that there is limited infrastructure in North America that meets the company's needs, which is available at the Regional Technology Park. [Case Overview] ■ Location: Regional Technology Park, South Charleston, WV ■ Manufactured Item: Improved propellant binder for rockets *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Fuel system parts

Form Energy (MA) has conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for its first battery manufacturing plant, Factory 1. The manufactured product, the iron-air battery, is a new class of battery with a very high cost-effectiveness. It can store energy for several days at one-tenth the cost of lithium-ion batteries. The reasons for choosing this location include that Weirton has historically suitable terrain and infrastructure for the steel industry, as well as expertise in producing excellent products from iron. Additionally, it is close to the existing pilot plant (PA). It was selected from over 500 site candidates across 16 states. 【Case Overview (Partial)】 ■Investment Amount: US$760 million ■Location: Weirton, WV (site of the Weirton Steel Plant) ■Manufactured Product: Iron-air battery ■Site Area: 55 acres *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Secondary Cells/Batteries

We would like to introduce a case where Diamond Electric Holdings (Japan) expanded its business in the automotive and air conditioning markets by establishing a presence in the United States and Mexico. In 2021, the company expanded its subsidiary, Diamond Electric Manufacturing (WV) in the United States, and in 2023, it established a subsidiary in Mexico as a subsidiary of Diamond Electric Manufacturing in the U.S., strengthening the production system from transformer reactor components to control boards. The reason for the expansion is to respond to large new orders from several domestic automobile manufacturers in the U.S. [Case Overview (Partial)] ■ Location: Eleanor, WV ■ Area: 37,000 sqft. ■ Expansion Investment Amount: $3.74 million ■ New Equipment Investment Amount: $18.61 million *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other Auto Parts

We would like to introduce a case where the biopharmaceutical manufacturer UNDBIO (South Korea) is advancing as a manufacturing base for diabetes treatment drugs. The company produces top-quality insulin through a partnership with West Virginia University. The reasons for this expansion include the high quality of the workforce and the historical and geographical environment. 【Case Overview (Partial)】 ■ Investment Amount: US$1 million/phase 1 ■ Location: Morgantown Business Park, WV ■ Products Manufactured: Insulin, insulin analog formulations ■ New Employment: 200 people within 3 years, ultimately reaching 600 people *For more details, please refer to the PDF materials or feel free to contact us.

• Chemicals

Heavy Iron Oilfield Services, LP (WV) has expanded its oil and gas development services provider base from PA to WV. In a successful case of utilizing a brownfield site from a former ceramics manufacturing location, a soil remediation completion certificate was issued by the WV Department of Environmental Protection in 2018. The reason for the expansion is that Chester, WV, is a geographical center for the company's business area. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Rock Springs Business Park, Chester, WV ■ Business Activities: Well testing and flowback services for the oil and gas industry in the eastern United States ■ Background: Established in 2011, primarily focused on shale gas development in the eastern United States, including WV (Marcellus and Utica) ■ New Employment: 75 people, with an additional 25 expected in the future *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Soil testing

Delta Cooling Towers, Inc. will construct its second manufacturing facility in West Virginia. The company's cooling towers feature a seamless, single-piece shell design. The reasons for this expansion include the high quality of the workforce and the business-friendly environment. 【Case Overview】 ■Investment Amount: US$6.7 million ■Location: Barbour County, WV ■Manufactured Product: Cooling Towers ■Site Area: 55 acres ■New Employment: 30 people ■Construction Start: 2023 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Cooling system

Aurora Flight Sciences is planning to double both its factory building area and employee count over the next five years. The company entered West Virginia in 1990, acquired a building from Northrop Grumman in 2000, and became part of the Boeing group after being acquired in 2017. The main reason for the expansion is the receipt of orders for the production of two successor aircraft to the WhiteKnight Two (commonly known as VMS Eve), which is a jet aircraft for transporting suborbital spaceplanes from Virgin Galactic. Final assembly will take place at Virgin's California facility, with the first flight scheduled for early 2025. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: North Central WV Airport, Bridgeport, WV ■ Expansion Size: 50,000 sq. ft. ■ Investment Amount: $15 million ■ Increase in Workforce: 200 people *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other machine elements

We would like to introduce a case where TCL Specialties LLC, a subsidiary of the major Indian chemical manufacturer TCL (THIRUMALAI CHEMICALS LTD), is establishing a base for the downstream natural gas industry that produces raw materials refined from shale gas. By utilizing energy generated during the manufacturing process for over 90% of its power consumption, it achieves a very low carbon footprint. The project is planned to proceed through Phase 3. The favorable geographical environment, with double shale gas layers in Marcellus and Utica that yield butane and natural gas, along with its location in a hub where major U.S. clients are concentrated, provides excellent logistics for access to Europe and Latin America, which are reasons for the expansion. [Case Overview (Partial)] - Phase 1 Investment Amount: US$150 million - Location: Covestro New Martinsville Chemical Industrial Park, Marshall County - Phase 1 Construction Start: January 2023 - Production Start: Mid-2024 *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Coating Agent

We would like to introduce the case of SPARKZ(CA) entering the manufacturing of cobalt-free recycled lithium-ion batteries at the company's first manufacturing plant. A suitable location for reengineering the battery supply chain. The workers to be employed have a good knowledge and awareness of labor safety from the coal industry, which is an important factor for battery manufacturing. [Case Overview (Partial)] ■ Location: Taylor County, WV ■ Factory Building: 482,000 Sqft. repurposed former glass factory ■ Number of Employees: Ultimately 350 ■ Battery Focus: Material handling, energy storage-related, EV *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Lithium-ion battery

We would like to introduce a case where Gainwell Engineering established a new base for sales and after-sales service in North America. They have expanded as a base for sales of mining machinery products, spare parts sales, customer support, and parts repair, covering six countries including North America, Canada, and Mexico. The reasons for this expansion include the availability of suppliers, a strong will and enthusiasm among the workforce, and the ease of securing workers from the same industry due to the presence of many diligent mining laborers. 【Case Overview】 ■ Location: Hico, Fayette County ■ Expansion Type: Acquisition of vacant property ■ Employment: 40 people within 3 years *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other machine elements

West Virginia offers a high-profit location for automotive parts manufacturers due to lower business taxes compared to neighboring states, a competitive wage environment, and abundant, low-cost utilities. The state provides tax credits, worker training support, loan programs, and other incentives to attract and promote the development of automotive manufacturing projects. Access to workers is ensured through educational and training programs, providing a stable supply of skilled labor. Additionally, various engineering bachelor's and master's programs are offered at West Virginia University, Marshall University, and other regional institutions. [About the Japan Representative Office of the West Virginia State Government] Our Japan office provides support services after entering the market, including market research, local property introductions, referrals to necessary professionals, and assistance with incentives, tax credits, job training, and recruitment. We offer the latest local information, so please feel free to consult with us. *We are currently publishing an "Automotive Industry Map" summarizing industry trends! Please check it out via PDF download.

• Other Auto Parts

The North American market continues to see business growth for chemical manufacturers. Production is being established closer to North American customers from regions such as Asia and Europe, aiming to mitigate export risks and reduce manufacturing and delivery times, leading to ongoing investments in North America. Our state, home to world-class chemical manufacturers, is also recognized by the American Chemical Society as the birthplace of the petrochemical industry. We are attracting investments from chemical manufacturers in Japan, Europe, and various countries. **Advantages of Expanding to West Virginia** - **Highly Competitive Business Costs**: Business costs, including taxes, salaries, and utilities, are lower than the national average. - **Market Location**: Over 50% of U.S. manufacturing bases are located within an 800 km radius centered around our state. - **Labor Force Support**: Financial support for recruitment and employee training, as well as human resources assistance. - **Investment Incentives**: Tax credits for manufacturing, assistance in finding factory sites and properties, financial support, and other resources. - **One-on-One Support**: Individual project support from staff based in Japan and headquarters personnel. *We offer a chemical industry map and materials introducing the benefits of expanding to our state! Please view them from the [PDF download].* *Chemical Materials 2022 Online Exhibition from October 17 to 28.*

• Chemicals

West Virginia, which resonates with some people through the famous song "Country Roads." But how many know how beneficial it is for automotive manufacturers and their suppliers? The automotive industry is thriving in this state, with major companies, including Toyota, strengthening their investments. There are numerous well-known companies with manufacturing bases, and the location offers advantages such as proximity to assembly plants. **Five Reasons Why Many Japanese Companies Invest in West Virginia** (1) Competitive Business Costs… Business costs, including taxes, wages, and utilities, are lower than the national average. (2) Market Location… It is at the center of the automotive industry corridor running from the Midwest to the South of North America. (3) Workforce Support… Financial support for recruitment and employee training, as well as human resources assistance. (4) Investment Incentives… Tax credits for manufacturing, assistance in finding factory sites and properties, financial support, and other assistance. (5) One-on-One Support… Individual project support from staff based in Japan and staff at the West Virginia headquarters. *Currently, we have released materials introducing the benefits of corporate expansion into West Virginia. Please feel free to view them from the [PDF Download] link below.*

• others

West Virginia maintains many advantages that have attracted multinational corporations regarding infrastructure and supplies, while structural changes are further enhancing its competitiveness as a center for chemicals and polymers in the world. Chemical industrial parks across the state provide access to various shared services and co-location within the parks, along with excellent infrastructure and existing permits. West Virginia is located about two hours inland from Washington, D.C., and produces the raw materials necessary for the chemical and polymer industries. Together with the concentration of existing chemical plants, it offers companies reliable access to supplies from various sources. [About the Japan Representative Office of the West Virginia State Government] Our Japan office provides support services after entering the market, including market research, local property introductions, introductions to necessary professionals, and information on incentives, tax deductions, workforce training, and recruitment. We provide the latest local information, so please feel free to consult with us. *We are currently publishing an "Industry Trends: Chemical and Polymer Industry Map"! Please check it out via PDF download.

• Other polymer materials

West Virginia has thousands of skilled production and skilled workers, including metalworking machine operators, metalworking technicians, and machine assemblers. It is a state where labor rights laws (which give workers the option not to join a union) have been enacted, and the manufacturing industry turnover rate is low, falling below the average in all other worker categories (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics industry report). Community and technical colleges in West Virginia offer courses such as "Advanced Manufacturing and Manufacturing Technology," cultivating a diverse set of technical skills. Additionally, advanced manufacturing technology centers and community/technical colleges across the state provide hands-on experiences and training opportunities for students and current employees. [About the Japan Representative Office of the West Virginia State Government] Our Japan office provides support services after entering the market, including market research, local property introductions, referrals to necessary professionals, incentives, tax credits, employment training, and recruitment. We offer the latest local information, so please feel free to consult with us. *We are currently publishing an "Industrial Trends Metal Industry Map"! Please check it out via PDF download.

• Other metal materials

From 2020 to 2021, West Virginia saw a net migration of over 2,000 people for the first time in decades, making it one of the top states in the nation for population growth. To supply the growing U.S. housing market, many companies from Asia and Europe have established manufacturing plants and logistics hubs, attracting significant investments in the building materials industry from both domestic and international sources in West Virginia. There is a diverse expansion of building materials industries, including insulation, hardwood flooring, kitchen cabinets, windows, doors, paints, coatings, and construction materials. Many of the companies entering the state cite reasons such as "good location," "availability of raw materials," and "low business costs." *There are advantages in tax deductions. 【About the Japan Representative Office of the West Virginia State Government】 Our office in Japan provides support services after entering the market, including market research, local property introductions, introductions to necessary professionals, and assistance with incentives, tax deductions, job training, and recruitment. We provide the latest local information, so please feel free to consult with us. *An "Industry Trends Map" summarizing the building materials industry is currently available! Please check it out through the PDF download.

• wood

West Virginia, one of the 50 states in America, is located in the central eastern part of North America and is an area with a thriving manufacturing industry. When considering expansion into North America, you may start with choosing a convenient location, followed by selecting land and buildings, conducting local market research, obtaining environmental permits, finding housing for Japanese staff, assessing the local living environment, and researching starting salaries. You might be unsure about where and how to begin. We encourage you to take a look at this book, and if you believe that West Virginia is a convenient location for your clients, please consult with us at the West Virginia Japan Representative Office to move on to the next step. [Contents (excerpt)] - About the West Virginia Japan Representative Office - Services and support - Basic information - Features *For more details, please refer to the PDF document or feel free to contact us.

• Other Auto Parts

Automobile parts manufacturers around the world have discovered that the path to success leads to West Virginia. Companies that supply and support the automotive industry will find a prepared workforce equipped with the skills needed in today’s market. Furthermore, in West Virginia, there is easy access to suppliers of raw materials necessary for the automotive industry, such as steel, aluminum, and chemicals/polymers. Automakers in the state can leverage research and technology resources such as nonprofit centers for alternative fuels, the National Alternative Fuel Training Consortium, and the Robert C. Byrd Advanced Flexible Manufacturing Institute (RCBI). For more details, please download the catalog from the link below.

• others

Workers in West Virginia are overwhelming other states with their diligent work ethic, as well as their low absenteeism and turnover rates. - The turnover rate in manufacturing is 6%. - Business costs are 14% lower than the national average, which is the fourth lowest in the nation according to the credit rating agency Moody's. - Industrial electricity rates belong to the states with the lowest in the nation, being 12% lower than the national average. - About half of the total U.S. population and approximately 30% of the total Canadian population live within an 800 km radius, allowing for next-day delivery by truck to these areas. - Programs at community colleges and technical colleges are in place to meet business needs. Additionally, the good safety and low cost of living add value to businesses. The cost of living is 86% of the national average. For those interested in more details, please download the catalog from the link below.

• others