Historically, West Virginia has thrived on traditional energy and manufacturing industries such as coal, chemicals and polymers, aerospace, automotive and wood products. All remain valued contributors to the state’s economy.

Today the West Virginia economy is one that also includes innovation-driven, technology-based businesses, piloted by a highly skilled West Virginia workforce. More than $22 billion in new business investments have come to West Virginia in the past decade. A growing number of companies leading the advance in biometrics, biotechnology, information technology and renewable energy now operate in the state.

Global companies like Amazon.com, Macy’s, Toyota, DuPont, Lockheed Martin and Pratt and Whitney have already discovered the advantages of locating in West Virginia.

In energy, West Virginia is one of the leaders in the United States in exporting electricity and is playing an increasingly important role in the production of coal, natural gas and wind power.

The emergence of Marcellus Shale has opened up a vast supply of domestic natural gas liquids for the chemical and polymer industry. Access to abundant, low-cost feedstock has created a significant competitive advantage for West Virginia manufacturers. Historically a chemical manufacturing hub, the state is developing a new, thriving cluster of shale gas-fed manufacturers and downstream derivative plants.

In biometrics and identification management technology, the state has a high concentration of facilities unmatched anywhere in the world.

For high technology businesses, the state has demonstrated a solid commitment by eliminating certain sales taxes and significantly reducing property taxes for data-based businesses located in West Virginia. The state is a growing location for companies with extensive business services operations.

In West Virginia, the approach to responsible government has produced a positive business climate and the state is clearing the way for business growth through tax cuts, workers’ compensation reform and investment in university research together with other strategic economic development initiatives. West Virginia is well positioned as the ideal location for new and expanding British companies that want to create good jobs.

BUSINESS ADVANTAGES IN WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia provides access to:

• A business-friendly climate
• A skilled and flexible workforce that has earned a reputation for dedication, loyalty and low absenteeism
• One of the lowest manufacturing industry employee turnover rates in the nation
• Low business operating costs
• Low utility rates
• A strategic location with overnight delivery to more than half the US population, with an extensive network of interstate highways, navigable rivers and rail systems
• Low cost of living for employees
• High quality of life and unparalleled outdoor recreational activities
• A higher education system that includes 32 colleges, universities and vocational and community technical colleges