April 10, 2012

Manchin Applauds Re-Opening of South Charleston Stamping Plant

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement about the return of hundreds of jobs to the South Charleston Stamping and Manufacturing Plant. Gestamp announced today that it will invest at least $100 million in the facility. 

“This was a total partnership between private enterprise, state and local government. As Governor at the time, I knew we needed to make the investments in the site that would attract a quality employer like Gestamp to South Charleston, and that is exactly what has happened.

“I thank my dear friend, Ray Park, for his vision and belief in our state and its workforce. Ray came to me as governor with his plan to transform the South Charleston site into a world class, state-of-the-art facility - the perfect marriage of technology and our skilled workforce. I made the decision the state would join in partnership by investing $15 million - which I am happy to say has been paid back with interest - and the result of this investment, Ray's investment, and his confidence in our state is a premier site that has attracted international investment and will put hundreds of people to work.

“These are the types of investments we must continue to make – and the partnerships we must continue to form – to keep our state and our economy competitive. I applaud the efforts of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, as well as the wisdom and courage of Mayor Frank Mullins and the South Charleston City Council in making today’s announcement possible.” 

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