Commerce Secretary Gaunch continues business listening tour with visit to Northern Panhandle

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch today wrapped up his tour of businesses in the Northern Panhandle. The visits continue the secretary’s series of statewide listening tours focused on West Virginia businesses.
 
“As I continue to meet the incredible business owners and workers across the state, it’s inspiring to see first-hand just how much West Virginians personally care about the products they manufacture. That passion shows through in the quality of our West Virginia products and I couldn’t be more proud,” Gaunch said. “Governor Justice has tasked me with getting to know these people and to see how our Department of Commerce can help maximize their potential and the potential of our state.”
 
The Aug. 22 -23 tour took the Commerce team to businesses in Brooke, Hancock and Ohio counties.
 
“The Northern Panhandle has a proud history in industrial manufacturing. When economic conditions changed, the region actively targeted diverse industries such as energy, chemicals, value-added metals, transportation logistics and health care,” said Gaunch. “The area’s business, civic and economic development leaders worked together and successfully are creating investment and job opportunities.”
 
The tour included meetings with the Business Corporation of the Northern Panhandle and the Regional Economic Development Partnership.
 
Gaunch and his team visited:
 
Bidell Gas Compression, Weirton, Hancock County. Bidell, part of the Total Energy Services group, is a leading supplier of reciprocating and rotary screw natural gas compressors.
 
Eagle Manufacturing, Wellsburg, Brooke County. Founded in 1894, the company manufactures industrial safety products that include safety cabinets, secondary spill containment products, poly drums and more.
 
Jupiter Aluminum, Beech Bottom, Brooke County. The company recycles aluminum scrap into coils for building, automotive and other markets.
 
Sledd, Wheeling, Ohio County. Incorporated in 1937, Sledd is a leading supplier of convenience retail products and services in the six-state Mid-Atlantic region.
 
Touchstone Research Laboratory, Tridelphia, Ohio County. The company’s services include commercial research and development, failure analysis and testing.
 
An additional business listening tour is scheduled for September.  

West Virginia Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch visits businesses in the Northern Panhandle during a listening tour.

FOR RELEASE: Aug. 23, 2019
MEDIA CONTACT: Andy Malinoski, 304-553-9305, Andy.E.Malinoski@wv.gov