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

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.

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.*

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.

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.

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.*

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.

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.