Automotive Economic News in WV (Parkersburg, Williamstown: tax, live, move)

[WVUmatt]

This morning Toyota announced a new commitment to their plant and a new product line that is going to be built there.


WV MetroNews – Toyota makes $115.3 million announcement


But the interesting part was what state Commerce Secretary Woody Thrasher said afterwards. He mentioned this was just the first of many exciting automotive economic announcements coming for WV this week. He wouldn't say who or what or where but he said a couple more big automotive announcements are coming this week.


Does anyone have any clue on what other things might be coming?

[WVUmatt]

We now know the second announcement.


WV MetroNews – Another WV automotive announcement anticipated today


"The Parkersburg News and Sentinel is reporting that a press conference is scheduled for 7 p.m. today “to make an announcement on the former Coldwater Creek facility,” which is the 962,000-square-foot plant for the former catalog retailer near Mineral Wells, Wood County."


"At the same time, Hino Trucks USA announced on its Facebook page that it’s planning a live feed of a press conference. “We’re growing. Join us live,” the company says."


"Hino has a truck manufacturing facility in Williamstown, Wood County."

[David1WVU]

I assume that means Hino will vacate the Williamstown plant

[elewis7]

Originally Posted by David1WVU

I assume that means Hino will vacate the Williamstown plant

They haven't made a decision on the current site, but it's likely that operations will consolidate in Pettyville.

[bballjunkie]

Still up in the air.

I have seen three reports:
1. Williamstown facility remains
2. All operations consolidated into former Coldwater Creek
3. No decision has been made

Somewhere it was also alluded that another automotive venture could move into the Williamstown facility if they consolidate into Mineral Wells.

[pknopp]

Tax abatements are running out in Williamstown.

[Route50guy]

It would be great if this area could attract Toyota to build another large factory in Washington along the Ohio River where the cracker plant was supposed to be built. That's one of the best tracts of property in WV for a manufacturing facility, and right beside Corridor D. It's a shame to see it sitting vacant. Even the ball parks are gone.

[pknopp]

It's odd seeing it so vacant.

[Route50guy]

Originally Posted by pknopp

It's odd seeing it so vacant.

I agree.