CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Japanese auto parts manufacturer announced Monday plans to relocate its North American headquarters from Michigan to West Virginia. Diamond Electric already has a large plant in Putnam County.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said the decision speaks well of the state’s business climate.
“The fact that there top decision makers are going to be living here in West Virginia, primarily in Putnam County, shows that we have made some changes,” Tomblin said.
Diamond Electric makes automotive ignition coils at its Eleanor plant. The company employs more than 330 area residents. Tomblin said the headquarters move won’t convert into a lot of jobs but the positions that do come are important.
“Fifteen or so of their top management officials,” he said. “I think that’s a very positive thing for the state.”
The company’s customers include Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and Subaru.
“This change will streamline Diamond Electric’s U.S. operations by improving accessibility between departments and it will strengthen our internal and external communications,” said Hironori Kurita, chairman of the board for the Japanese-owned U.S. company said in a prepared statement. “We will continue to maintain a sales office in southeast Michigan to provide quality service to our valued customers.”
Diamond Electric has been in Putnam County since 1997.