Three companies plan to invest $219 million in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice announced Aug. 28, 2024 afternoon at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s annual business summit in White Sulphur Springs.
Three companies plan to invest $219 million in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 afternoon at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s annual business summit in White Sulphur Springs.
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — Three companies plan to invest $219 million in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday afternoon at the state Chamber of Commerce’s annual business summit in White Sulphur Springs.
The largest investment will be made by Babcock & Wilcox, a global leader in energy and environmental technologies.
“They are making a $125 million investment in Mason County,†Justice said. He did not say where in Mason County B&W might locate, but indicated as many as 28 jobs would be created initially.
Three companies plan to invest $219 million in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice announced Aug. 28, 2024 afternoon at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s annual business summit in White Sulphur Springs.
The company’s investment will focus on the deployment of its BrightLoop low-carbon hydrogen technology.
“They will be making hydrogen out of coal,†Justice said.
Justice said the company’s hydrogen production technology uses a novel chemical looping process to produce low-carbon hydrogen, steam, or syngas while isolating carbon dioxide for capture and storage.
“This investment could blossom into a $1 billion investment,†the governor said. “This investment not only creates jobs, but also positions West Virginia to continue being the leader in the energy industry.â€
C.J. Harvey, Justice’s communications director, said later Wednesday that the B&W $125 million investment is “not directly affiliated,†when asked if the investment would support hydrogen operations planned by Houston-based Fidelis New Energy near Point Pleasant. Harvey said he did not have “information on hand†regarding where any new B&W facility might be sited in Mason County.
In August 2023, B&W said it would provide energy-processing technologies and flue gas pre-treatment technologies as part of an alliance with Fidelis New Energy, which plans to produce hydrogen via autothermal reforming of natural gas and biomass with carbon capture near Point Pleasant. An onsite short-haul pipeline has been planned to deliver the hydrogen for end-use in data centers, power generation and other applications.
Fidelis is a planned project partner in a regional hydrogen network selected for up to $925 million in federal funds, the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2).
ARCH2 will rely on carbon capture technology unproven at commercial scale. Critics say ARCH2 development will benefit fossil fuel infrastructure that has been tied to elevated public health risks.
HandCraft Services to open facility in Berkeley County
Justice announced HandCraft Services, a Richmond, Virginia-based provider of medical linen and apparel products, will spend $59 million to open a new facility in Berkeley County. The company has existing operations in Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.
Three companies plan to invest $219 million in West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 afternoon at the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s annual business summit in White Sulphur Springs.
“This investment will be creating 220 new jobs,†Justice said. “This investment will not only create hundreds of good-paying jobs but also strengthen our state’s reputation as a leader when it comes to the diversity of our economic development projects.â€
The family-owned and operated business plans to construct two new plants in West Virginia, according to Justice.
He said the first plant is expected to open in 2025 and second is slated to open in 2026.
Female-owned business investing $35M in Buckhannon
A female-owned business, Prime 6 — founded by Riki Franco and backed by Canadian businessman and star on the Shark Tank television show Kevin O’Leary — is investing $35 million to build a fireplace log manufacturing facility in Buckhannon, Upshur County.
“This significant $35 million investment is expected to create 75 jobs in the region,†Justice said.
Justice said wood has always been a part of the state’s rich history.
“It has helped shape our economy and way of life for generations,†he said. “Prime 6’s decision to put down roots with their new facility not only carries on that rich tradition, but proves we are the best place to be for growing forward-thinking, sustainable businesses.â€
Justice said Prime 6’s new facility is set to begin operations in the coming months, with job openings to be announced soon.
Staff writer Mike Tony contributed to this report.
Fred Pace is a business reporter for HD Media. Follow him at Facebook.com/FredPaceHD and via X (formerly Twitter) @FredPaceHD.
