May 17, 2007

A New Era Begins, Charleston Stamping & Manufacturing Is Announced

NEW STAMPING COMPANY BRINGS JOBS AND MODERN EQUIPMENT TO KANAWHA COUNTY

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Joe Manchin today announced that a new automotive stamping company is gearing up to produce as many as 550 manufacturing jobs at South Charleston’s stamping plant facility left vacant last year Union Stamping closed.

Manchin joined Charleston Stamping and Manufacturing Inc. president and CEO John T. Wise, Park Corp. Chairman Ray Park and elected officials from Kanawha County in making the announcement. The plant is located in the 80-acre industrial park owned by Park Corp.

Park Corporation Chairman Ray Park, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, and CSM President & CEO John Wise announce the reopening of the South Charleston, WV Stamping Plant.
Photo courtesy of WV Economic Development Office
Charleston Stamping will invest more than $35 million to refurbish the plant with new automation equipment, Wise said. That figure includes a $15 million loan approved today by the West Virginia Economic Development Authority. The modernization is expected to allow the company to create 79 jobs in its first year, 140 jobs in its second year, and as many as 550 jobs in its fourth or fifth year.

“The prospect of 550 good-paying manufacturing jobs is tremendous news anywhere in the country today,” Manchin said. “This new enterprise was inspired by the business vision and the sincere regard John Wise and Ray Park have for this state.”

Wise said the work ethic of West Virginians is among the best in the world, and modern technology will enhance it. “The new automation system will enable us to double the yield,” he said. “That’s the level of productivity we need to compete in the global market today.”

Starting June 1, job seekers have two weeks to apply for manufacturing specialist and skilled trades positions through WORKFORCE West Virginia by calling (304) 558-0342, or (877) 967-5498. The plant is expected to be ready for production by January 2008.

The former Union Stamping plant used automation in the assembly area. Charleston Stamping plans to install 45 press-tending robots, automating four of its six lines. The press-tending robots will be among the largest in the industry, Wise said, giving the plant the capability to produce large auto and heavy truck parts.

Other improvements to the 922,000-square-foot facility include press upgrades, roof repair, and lighting and siding installation.

After Union Stamping announced its pending closure last summer, Manchin created the South Charleston Stamping Plant Task Force, a working group charged with finding ways federal, state, county and community partners can work together to sustain and attract economic activity to the South Charleston Industrial Park.