By Pat Ford
For more than three decades, West Virginia’s automotive industry has served as a cornerstone of the state’s economy—fueling job creation, supporting innovation, and driving expansion across the Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ) region. Today, that momentum continues as global manufacturers and specialized suppliers strengthen an already robust automotive ecosystem.
More than 15 major manufacturers operate across the state, including industry leaders such as Toyota, Gestamp, NGK Spark Plugs, and Diamond Electric. Together, they benefit from a skilled and dependable workforce, along with strategic proximity to major U.S. automotive assembly plants.
Nowhere is this strength more evident than in Wood and Wayne counties, where recent investments and long-standing operations highlight the region’s growing importance within the automotive supply chain.
“In Wood County, we’re seeing continued investment that reflects the region’s competitiveness,” said Pat Ford, Vice President of the Polymer Alliance Zone. “SOMAR Corp., a Japanese company, launched a $2.5 million, 80,000-square-foot facility in Davisville in 2024 to manufacture epoxy resin for electric vehicle motors and hybrid cars. That’s a clear signal of where the industry is heading—and how our region is positioned to support it.”
Ford emphasized that the presence of companies like Hino Motors Manufacturing and Star Plastics further strengthens the local ecosystem.
“These companies are creating high-skill jobs and advancing the materials and manufacturing capabilities needed for the next generation of vehicles,” Ford said. “From precision components to advanced polymers, Wood County is playing a key role in the future of automotive manufacturing.”
Wayne County tells a similar story of growth and specialization.
“Wayne County continues to demonstrate the depth of our automotive supply chain,” Ford added. “Purflux Group manufactures advanced fluid filtration systems in Prichard, while Okuno International produces hydraulic fluid power pumps for forklifts. These are highly specialized operations that support both domestic and global markets.”
This network of manufacturers and suppliers underscores a broader trend: West Virginia’s increasing importance as a critical link in the automotive supply chain.
“From global manufacturers to precision suppliers, West Virginia plays a vital role in supporting the automotive industry,” said Keith Burdette, President of the Polymer Alliance Zone. “The sector is driving jobs, innovation, and long-term economic growth across our communities. It’s also strengthened by state-level tax credits, workforce training programs, and financing tools that make it easier for companies to grow and compete globally.”
Beyond its workforce and business climate, the PAZ region offers distinct strategic advantages that align with the evolving needs of the automotive industry.
The region functions as a low-cost materials hub, providing access to essential inputs for plastics and composite manufacturing—materials increasingly critical for lightweight vehicle design. Our location also serves as a logistics advantage, enabling efficient distribution to major markets across the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Together, these strengths create an integrated supply chain cluster that supports key industry priorities such as cost reduction, supply chain resilience, and advanced manufacturing innovation.
As the automotive sector continues to evolve—driven by electrification, lightweighting, and global supply chain shifts—the Polymer Alliance Zone is well-positioned to support its next phase of growth.
Through continued collaboration, targeted investment, and a strong foundation of industry expertise, the PAZ region remains a powerful engine for automotive manufacturing in West Virginia and beyond.