Japan-based SOMAR is expected to invest $2.5 million and create about 25 jobs in Wood County, manufacturing an epoxy resin product used in the automotive sector.
The new facility will be located within the Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) Industrial Park, using an existing building for operations.
Gov. Jim Justice and officials from SOMAR announced the new manufacturing facility Monday. Since the building is already there, the company expects to be in production soon.
“I cannot wait to see the positive changes SOMAR will bring to Wood County and the new opportunities for our hard-working citizens,” Justice said. “Small businesses are the backbone of the Mountain State, and we’ll continue to support them in every way possible.”
SOMAR will make supplies materials for companies such as Toyota and Ford.
“We evaluated several options for our U.S. manufacturing facility, and West Virginia’s proposals and services were the best among them,” SOMAR Corp.’s President Futoshi Sotani said. “We’re so happy with our decision to invest in West Virginia. We look forward to growing our North America business from this new location. By leasing an existing building in the PAZ park, we can start production and begin serving our U.S. customers promptly.”
There are more than a dozen Japanese companies operating in West Virginia that have created more than 4,000 jobs, according to the West Virginia Development Office.