CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Advantage Valley celebrated National Manufacturing Day by announcing it has received another $2 million POWER grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to finance its successful Expanding Markets program.
Advantage Valley, which helps manufacturers in the Charleston-Huntington corridor and those in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam and Wayne counties, will use the money to help those businesses build momentum by finding new customers.
“We will help those manufacturers grow their markets, create new jobs, retain the jobs they have and that’s why we call this program the Expanding Markets program,” Advantage Valley President and CEO Terrell Ellis
Industrial Bolting Technologies, a Charleston-based manufacturer of hydraulic torque tools that has customers in international markets, has benefited from the Expanding Markets program.
Industrial Bolting owner Mike McCown said Advantage Valley has helped his business in a lot of ways including its website and assisting when he first began exporting his products.
“Anytime there is a program that assists you in getting through that first step–always take that assistance,” McCowan said.
Ellis said the new POWER grant funding for Expanding Markets will create new jobs.
“We are projecting that we are going to help create over 200 new jobs, because we that get new customers they have to invest and create new job opportunities,” Ellis said.
Reshore Technologies Founder Ed Ryan appreciates the help Advantage Valley offers.
“They see the value of helping small to medium size manufactures expand into new markets,” Ryan said, adding, “By giving companies better visibility into what is being imported and where West Virginia manufacturers have the capability to compete, Reshore WV can help create practical connections that lead to new customers, new production and stronger domestic supply chains.”
Marshall University’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) is receiving $168,000 in the latest funding.
“We connect those companies through either the supply chain expos or just the one-on-one conversations to let them know what resources are available to shorten those supply chains to help them grow right in their backyard,” MAMC Business Development Manager Tanner Drown said.
Advantage Valley grant announcements include:
• $126,000 each to the Charleston Area Alliance, Putnam County Development Authority, Huntington Area Development Council, Jackson County Development Authority and Mason County Development Authority to support a business retention and expansion staff position in each office;
• $168,000 to Marshall University’s Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) to provide technical support for supply chain connections;
• $225,000 to help participating companies procure professional services related to operations, marketing and process improvement, including participation in the Reshore WV initiative;
• $116,000 to secure export assistance designed to help companies expand international sales in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Rural Export Center; and
• Customized support for small food manufacturers, including training, market access and trade show opportunities and support associated with a new commercial kitchen incubator.