Huntington, West Virginia has the right formula for chemical leaders
Polymers & Chemicals
Huntington, West Virginia’s location on the Ohio River and in the Appalachian Basin (with 141 trillion cubic feet of natural gas) has helped our area become a critical part of the polymer and chemical production chain. In fact, more than 70 percent of the nation’s polyethylene and polypropylene makers and 77 percent of U.S. polypropylene demand is within a single day’s drive. The Shale Crescent Region of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia sits atop one of the most robust natural gas deposits anywhere in the world, accounting for more than 33% of the entire U.S. natural gas supply. From production and handling of inputs through downstream integration, Huntington has the resources and skilled workforce to support today’s polymer and chemical leaders.
There’s another key advantage. Unlike many of the regions dependent upon chemical production, we’re far from the paths of hurricanes and less susceptible to tornadoes and other violent weather, and our waterways are engineered to protect nearby facilities from flooding.
Companies considering facilities can draw upon the resources of our partners at the regional Polymer Alliance Zone and Chemical Alliance Zone.
The Port of Huntington Tri-State is a key draw for refiners and other facilities receiving inputs via water. It handles more than 80 million tons of fossil fuels, raw materials, and chemical liquid, dry, and break-bulk loads. Need ocean shipping? Virginia’s two tidewater ports are less than a day away by truck or rail. Inbound and outbound rail shipments have mainline service from both CSX and Norfolk Southern, and our well-engineered interstate and highway network delivers single-day truck access to more than 162 million consumers across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Ontario. Tri-State Airport (KHTS) is West Virginia’s only FedEx 757 hub, thanks to its 7,017-foot (2,139 m) runway. There’s nonstop passenger service to Orlando, Tampa/St. Pete, Fort Myers, Myrtle Beach, and Charlotte. Plus, there’s Amtrak’s New York-to-Chicago Cardinal.
Local utility providers offer low rates thanks to abundant supplies and a collaborative attitude. For example, our area’s electric rates are nearly a third below the national average. There’s no shortage of natural gas and fresh water, as well as plenty of bandwidth for data needs.
The 50-mile labor shed surrounding our area is home to 360,000+ workers, many with generations of experience in the chemical industry. In fact, we’re home to 2.5 times the national average of chemical production workers, coupled with the nation’s lowest manufacturing turnover rate.
A commitment to hard work is instilled at an early age, with Cabell County Schools beginning career literacy in the elementary grades. Career-focused education continues as students age, with local high schools and the Cabell County Career Technology Center delivering the technical and soft skills employers need. Program such as West Virginia’s Simulated Workplace and Wayne County School System’s Career Launch program have helped pave career pathways for graduating high school students.
At the postsecondary level, highly regarded Marshall University offers degree programs in chemical science and chemistry, mechanical engineering, health and safety, business, IT, and 80 other fields. Mountwest Community and Technical College offers more than 50 one-year certificate and associate degree programs created for the needs of local companies. And the Cabell County Career Technology Center also provides continuing education for adults and customized training to meet employers’ specific needs. West Virginia’s innovative Learn & Earn Program provides partial wage reimbursement to employers who hire students currently enrolled in relevant community and technical college courses.
Existing Employers
Rubberlite, Inc.
FUCHS Lubricants
REO Logistics
Alcon
AOC Materials
Marathon Petroleum Company
Rust-Oleum Corporation
Zim’s Bagging
APG Polytech
Braskem
“HADCO has been a very effective resource to Rubberlite over the years, particularly in collaborations with government agencies and various economic development groups in our state and region. HADCO has really helped Rubberlite have a voice in the state and local business communities and has helped to tell the story of our unique company both in the local area and to the broader business community at large.”
Jeff Goad, Senior Vice President
Rubberlite, Braskem, Zim’s