Gov. Justice champions three new companies moving to West Virginia

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) says even more good economic news could be coming to West Virginia, even after three more companies announced on Wednesday that they are coming here.

In Mason County, officials with energy producer Babcock and Wilcox are planning a coal-burning plant to create hydrogen. The initial investment of $126 million would create 28-high pay jobs, and then perhaps more.

Prime 6 makes high-performance charcoal and wood logs that can be used in cooking. It plans to open up its first U.S. plant in Upshur County, creating 75 jobs with a $35 million investment.

The third company to announce it’s coming to West Virginia is Hand Craft Services, which makes linens and apparel for the medical industry. It will build a $59 million facility in Berkeley County and employ 220 people.

“You know there’s even projections it could go to a you know, billion-dollar commitment to West Virginia which would be hundreds and hundreds of jobs, and all the jobs with our coal miners,” said Gov. Jim Justice (R) West Virginia.

“My name is Riki Franco. I am the founder and CEO of Prime 6. And I am excited to bring my company to West Virginia,” said Riki Franco, CEO, Prime 6.

The governor did say that economic development is risky. Two companies that previously announced moves to West Virginia – Virgin Hyper-Loop and Pure Watercraft – have now backed out.

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