Economic Boost
SW Resources project to create jobs for area
By BRETT DUNLAP, Parkersburg News and Sentinel
Article Photos
Photo by Brett Dunlap
Gov. Joe Manchin stands with Michael James of SW Resources after James, a self-described Pepsi fan, received a hat and a T-shirt from officials at Pepsi after announcing a project. Soft-drink dispensers for restaurants will be assembled at SW Resources and shipped across the country.
PARKERSBURG - A new project announced Friday will provide jobs at SW Resources and give the area an economic boost.
Representatives of SW Resources, Professional Services of America Inc. (PSA), DuPont and PepsiCo as well as West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin gathered at SW Resources Friday to announce a project designed to create jobs and have an economic impact of more than $1.25 million for the area.
PSA in Parkersburg recently signed a contract with DuPont Liqui-Box to assemble four million QCD Encore beverage connectors that will be placed in all fountain drink dispensers for PepsiCo nationwide. These valves, which will be made up of eight separate pieces, will be assembled by employees at SW Resources and delivered across the country.
The new connector is easier to use than the old model and cuts connection time from a couple minutes to about 20 seconds, which will benefit many businesses, said Kevin Bergenthun of DuPont.
Discussions for the project began in May 2006, but officials wanted to keep details secret until the time came to finalize and announce them, said Judy Sheppard, president and CEO of PSA.
The plan was referred to those in the know as "The Wigit Project," officials said.
"When we started talking about this project, I was elated,'' Sheppard said.
When it came to finding someone who could meet the requirements of the project, she said they turned to the people of SW Resources.
''Why not use the talent we have here and give them the opportunity,'' Sheppard said. ''They take great pride in all that they do and they have the commendations of many prominent businesses and government agencies to prove it.''
Work on the initial four million connectors is expected to begin soon with the potential for more as PepsiCo gathers new clients who will need the connectors. The project will employ more than 100 people.
Gloria Cox, president and CEO of SW Resources, said many clients/employees who were shifted to part-time status due to the downturn in the economy will be called back to full-time status and SW Resources will seek new client/employees from the community to fill requirements for this project as well as other new projects.
SW Resources provides vocational services, employment and other opportunities for individuals who have disabilities.
"This is the largest volume contract to be performed at SW Resources since 1997,'' Cox said. ''(Sheppard) asked us if we could help them assemble four million units. We assured them that we could assemble that many units.
''I knew at that moment a project of this magnitude could be transformative for SW Resources.''
Manchin commended the workers of SW Resources for their continued dedication and showing what people can accomplish when given the opportunity to succeed.
''I appreciate so much the commitment, dedication and hard work you do,'' he said. ''Every job in West Virginia is important.''
Manchin hopes more companies will see the work being done on this project and will make more investments in West Virginia.
''The opportunity to bring so many more jobs here is what is really going to be exciting,'' the governor said. ''Once they see the quality of work that will be done, the enthusiasm, the commitment that is going to resonate through corporate America. We are always looking for new opportunities.''
***PSA is a member and sponsor of the Polymer Alliance Zone***