New W.Va. Wood Product Company Gets Shark Boost

West Virginia’s hardwood industry is getting a new supporter in a company called Prime 6. 

The company uses hardwood waste to create products like a charcoal alternative that is certified by the USDA for use in wood-fired cooking.

The woman-owned business is relocating its headquarters from Asia to West Virginia. 

Gov. Jim Justice, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Fairmont Mayor Anne Bolyard and Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary joined the company’s CEO Riki Franco at the ground breaking on Friday. 

“It’s an honor to stand before you as the CEO of Prime 6, a company built on innovation, stability and the commitment to making a meaningful impact,” Franco said. “This achievement would not have been possible without the incredible support of Gov. Justice, whose leadership has made this venture a reality. We are deeply grateful to the West Virginia Economic Development Authority for their guidance in navigating this process.”

Startup investor O’Leary was present for the groundbreaking. 

“The key to success is building strong relationships around good policy and effective leadership, and West Virginia has both,” O’Leary said. “When I first met Gov. Justice, I knew right away he got business. We shared the business of all the incredible things West Virginia has to continue building its economy. Gov. Justice made it very easy to make West Virginia a place to invest in. Work is just getting started, but Prime 6 has an exciting future ahead here in Fairmont.” 

The $35 million investment is expected to create 75 to 100 jobs.