[US Local Seminar] Policy Changes and Business Environment Under the Trump Administration

Strengthen the ability to respond to the expanding market demand! Maintain stability even amidst economic difficulties.

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.

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An economic effect generating $2.5 billion annually! A new substation is planned to be built on-site, particularly to meet the demand for arc furnaces.

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.

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Upgrade the equipment and technology of the hot stamping line using advanced robotics in laser technology!

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.

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Iron-air batteries can store energy for several days at one-tenth the cost of lithium-ion batteries!

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.

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The 106MW solar array and 50MW battery system will cover 70% of the expected energy demand of the microgrid facility!

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.

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Supply capacity to customers mainly located in the Midwest and Northeast! Progress in the non-ferrous metal industry.

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.

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North America's headquarters for the assembly of spark plugs and oxygen sensors with world-class quality!

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.

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A case of donating 14.2 million yen to the Marshall University Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC)!

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.

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A case of a state-of-the-art logistics center grand opening within the existing factory premises!

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.

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From waste plastic to clean fuels like hydrogen! A strategic position in energy production.

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.

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Increase production capacity and expand distribution to Canada! A case study of a manufacturer of automotive parts and accessories.

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.

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The factory production capacity is 3 million tons per year! It produces 84-inch steel plates and thin sheets for the high-end automotive, home appliance, construction, and heavy machinery industries.

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.

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Employing and training unemployed coal industry workers! Signed a neutrality agreement with the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).

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.

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Produce hydrogen from natural gas, mix it, and supply it for residential fuel cells in the local supply system!

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.

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Expanding as a hub for business and innovation in the healthcare industry!

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.

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Upcycle wood scraps into high-quality products for the hospitality industry!

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.

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The product is hydrogen production using Bright Loop low-carbon hydrogen technology! CO2 is captured and stored.

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.

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Contributing to the strengthening of clean hydrogen production, storage, and supply systems! Supporting the establishment of a hydrogen ecosystem.

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.

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The new Camry and Corolla Cross are equipped with it! Investment in engine and drivetrain components, etc.

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.

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Addressing the serious shortage of distribution transformers! State legislation and administration are being implemented quickly and efficiently.

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.

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[Case Studies for 2023-2024 Available] There are reasons for the success of overseas investment expansion. Gain initial insights into successful expansion from case studies of companies that have ventured abroad.

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.*

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West Virginia, with its low worker turnover rate and abundant natural resources, is ideal for manufacturing plant locations! We are currently offering explanatory materials that summarize customer feedback!

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.

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West Virginia, which has many world-class chemical manufacturers and numerous advantages for Japanese companies, such as business costs and quality of life.

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.*

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Hexacore Inc. will exhibit at "Data Center Japan 2026," which will be held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho from March 24 to March 25, 2026. At the Hexacore booth, we will introduce various distribution boards, as well as measurement and monitoring systems and implementation support services. 【Main Exhibited Products and Services】 - IEC Distribution Boards / Aluminum Transformer Equipped Distribution Boards (Panel Display) We will showcase IEC-compliant distribution boards (PDP) for data centers. Additionally, we will display aluminum transformer equipped distribution boards. - Remote Monitoring System Implementation Support Service for Data Centers (Panel Display) We will provide support tailored to customer requirements, from consideration of monitoring system implementation to on-site construction and startup. - PAL-Plus / PAL-Plus Large Capacity Version An IoT sensor with built-in communication functionality that allows for easy and space-saving measurement of alternating current (60A, 125A to 630A). - CEW-M4 A management software that visualizes equipment status such as current, power, energy consumption, temperature, and humidity, enabling efficient management of power usage and remaining power capacity of distribution boards. We sincerely look forward to your visit.

[Speaker] Kei Konagai, Senior Manager, Strategy& at PwC Consulting LLC [Key Lecture Content] The use of generative AI is rapidly expanding among manufacturing companies. However, many companies fall into the trap of being unable to produce results after simply "implementing it for now." A survey conducted by Strategy& involving 247 European manufacturing companies revealed that while the effects of back-office utilization are limited, the introduction of generative AI into core operations such as R&D and sales is the key to improving profitability. In Japanese companies as well, those aiming for structural transformation tend to achieve results that exceed expectations compared to those that only focus on streamlining peripheral operations. However, currently, it is not common to consider results indicators such as sales and gross profit margin in conjunction with these efforts. In this lecture, we will elaborate on a generative AI utilization strategy aimed at maximizing revenue impact from three perspectives: "strengthening upstream (design and development)," "streamlining downstream (after-sales service)," and "building a promotion system."

In this seminar, we will introduce "Platio Connect," which allows you to easily create mobile applications and achieve data integration with internal systems and automation of data utilization tasks without coding. We will also share demonstrations and case studies of companies that have successfully improved their operational efficiency. If you want to effectively utilize on-site data as internal assets, or if you want to leverage internal data on-site, or if you are interested in promoting DX (digital transformation) in the field, please join us.

We would like to provide information about the annual schedule for the event planned for 2026. This year, we are planning a wide range of activities, including: - Technical training sessions to deepen understanding of analytical techniques - Open house events where you can see the equipment in person - Seminars and workshops categorized by field and theme These will be held online and in various locations. Details about the start of registration and the programs for each event will be provided as the event dates approach. Please note that the schedule may be subject to change, so we appreciate your understanding in advance. Our staff is looking forward to the opportunity to meet with all of you this year. Thank you for your continued support of FOSS Japan.

We will be exhibiting at the "43rd Air Purification and Contamination Control Research Conference" from April 21 (Tuesday) to April 22 (Wednesday), 2026. Planned exhibit models: 6000, 9000, 8506-30, MMS (Multi-Sensor Control Software) We will be showcasing the new model 6000 and MMS (Multi-Sensor Control Software).