West Virginia Made / West Virginia Grown
West Virginia Studies
WV Made / WV Grown – Mention of a company and/or brand name does not signify endorsement over other companies’ products and services. Because many companies change names and/or ownership over time, the companies on this page are representative of those that are, or have been, in West Virginia.
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“Why West Virginia For Business? Do the Math.”
“When smart companies do the math they discover West Virginia’s global business advantages. Investments from 23 countries employ tens of thousands of West Virginians. Our skilled workers are among the nation’s most productive. Turn-over rates are some of the lowest in the country. And we’re funding tomorrow’s innovation and research today in Huntington and Morgantown through our Bucks for Brains program. If you could live and work anywhere … why not choose West Virginia?” (1:00/2010/WV Department of Commerce)
“This is West Virginia” – West Virginia Development Office
“What is the definition of a West Virginia worker? What do businesses that have come to West Virginia think of the state? People around the world are finding out.” (5:54/2013/Pikewood Creative)
“West Virginia Forward”
“Building Partnerships”
“West Virginia Forward is a statewide initiative interwoven with collaborative partnerships. By bringing together the brightest minds to leverage multidisciplinary action in three main sectors, these efforts can empower real, lasting change.”
Explore “West Virginia Forward” Website
“West Virginia Forward is a statewide movement that encourages us to forge partnerships to uncover the best solutions for one, united West Virginia. By stacking hands and bringing together the brightest minds, we are helping to engineer West Virginia’s economic future to advance the State into greater prosperity.” (1:01/2018/WVU)
WOOD / FOREST PRODUCTS
“West Virginia Forest Products”
“The state has over 105 sawmills (Hamer Lumber, Northwest Hardwoods, Allegheny Wood Products), 1 veneer mill (Columbia of West Virginia), 9 rustic fencing mills (Ricottilli Lumber Company, WV Split Rail Company), 33 dry kilns (Bruce Hardwood Flooring, Hamer Lumber, Coastal Lumber, Allegheny Wood Products), 8 pressure-treating plants (Coastal Treated Products, Acme Wood Preserving, Koppers Industries), 26 concentration yards ( Rolling Ridge Woods, Westcor Forest Products, Allegheny Veneer Co., and Glatfelter Corp.), 8 engineered wood product plants (Weyerhaeuser, iProducts), 3 pellet fuel companies (Hamer Pellet Fuels, Lignetics, and Appalachian Wood Pellets), and almost 60 secondary manufacturers producing paneling, floor, trim, pallets, furniture, and cabinets. We host one of the largest Oriented Strand Board mills in the country and the largest flooring manufacturing facility in the world. You can find wood products from West Virginia and the Appalachian forest region in almost every house in America. Our timber resource is exported to a variety of countries, either as semi-processed logs or as full-scale value added products.”
<<More information about Forest Resources are on the MH3WV “Energy/Natural Resources” page>>
“Hardwood Alliance Zone”
“The West Virginia Hardwood Alliance consists of nine counties (Barbour, Grant, Hardy, Lewis, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur, Webster) in the heart of West Virginia’s hardwood zone. We provide a competitive advantage to the hardwood industry business in relation to relocation, expansion, and development. Three advantages set us apart from other locations: abundant natural resources located near major transportation, a highly skilled labor force available at competitive wages, and an outstanding quality of life.”
Explore “Hardwood Alliance Zone” Website
“A video produced to show the benefits and history of the West Virginia Hardwood Alliance Zone. Sustainable, Magnificent, Abundant.” (4:01/2013/West Virginia Hardwoods)
“How It’s Made – Lumber” (Lumber is called Timber in the UK) (4:45/2013)
“Inter-State Hardwoods” – Pocahontas Co.
“Get a taste of the Appalachian Mountains”
“Located in Bartow, West Virginia, right in the Monongahela National Forest, Inter-State Hardwoods is in the prime spot to get the best combination of color, consistency, tight grain patterns, good widths and lengths. For over 6 decades, we have been manufacturing a wide array of quality hardwoods using the latest in technology and processes available.”
Explore “Interstate Hardwoods” Commercial Website
“Introduction and history of Inter-State Hardwoods, located in Bartow, West Virginia, manufacturer of fine Appalachian hardwood.” (2008/1:56/interstatehardwoods)
Timber (2008/2:37/interstatehardwoods)
Mill (2008/3:52/interstatehardwoods)
Kiln (2008/2:44/interstatehardwoods)
Finishing (2008/2:53/interstatehardwoods)
“Collins Hardwood” – Nicholas Co.
“Collins Hardwood in Richwood is distinguished as the longest continually operating wood facility in the state. Generations of West Virginians have worked at this facility, and with recent equipment updates more generations will, too.” (2:25/2012/WV Commerce)
Explore Collins Company’s “Richwood Hardwood” Commercial Website
“Allegheny Wood Products”
“At our core, Allegheny Wood Products focuses on producing quality hardwood products, and managing forests for our future generations. Whether the need is for Hardwood Lumber, Hardwood Dimensions, Hardwood Pellets, or Hardwood Logs, Allegheny Wood Products focuses on the wants of you the customer.
“Founded in 1973 with a single Sawmill in Riverton, West Virginia AWP has grown to become one of the largest producers of Eastern U.S. hardwood products. Allegheny Wood Products is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees and committed to produce the finest hardwood products while being an outstanding environmental steward.”
“Probst Furniture Makers” – Lincoln Co.
“
It is my hope that the love and attention I put into the making of each piece of furniture is evident in its grain and glow, and that from the moment it is delivered a piece of Probst furniture will be a treasured family possession.” ~ Jim Probst (2:06/2012/WV Commerce)
“Allegheny Treenware” – Taylor Co.
“Allegheny Treenware is an American company focused on the production of wooden kitchen utensils. It has been proudly owned and operated by Stanley and Sue Jennings for over 25 years. All products are MADE IN THE USA, with quality West Virginia hardwoods that, if taken care of, will serve your cooking needs for years to come.” (2:25/2012/WVCommerce)
Explore “Allegheny Treenware” Commercial Website
“Valley Woodworkers of West Virginia” – Kanawha Co.
“Valley Woodworkers of West Virginia was formed in February 1991. Members exchange woodworking ideas, tips, techniques, and sources on such topics as project design, planning, tool use, finishing, refinishing and joinery.” (10:15/2014/WV Commerce)
“Bruce Hardwood Floors” – Randolph County
Bruce Hardwood Floors was founded in the late 1800’s and a division of Armstrong World Industries. Today, Bruce Flooring is the most-recognized brand name for North American wood flooring. Bruce offers both solid wood floors and engineered wood flooring in a wide variety of wood species, thicknesses, widths, edge styles, finishes, and colorations.”
“How It’s Made – Hardwood Flooring” (4:49/2014)
“Renick Millworks” – “Reclaimed Hardwood Floors” – Greenbrier Co.
“
We are a small town, family-based company, born out of generations of craftsmen. We scout the nation seeking scattered remnants of exquisite time-worn craftsmanship. Our antique wide plank flooring has been used in well-appointed homes throughout the United States. All products are 100% RECLAIMED. We are preserving history- One structure at a time!” (1:22/2010/Renickmillworks)
“Gat Creek Furniture” – Morgan Co.
“
Tour the factory, meet the craftspeople and see how we make great furniture here in West Virginia.” (6:57/2012/GatCreek)
“Kingsford Charcoal” – Tucker Co.
“‘Simply a Matter of Taste’…And has been since the 1920s, when Henry Ford learned of a process for turning wood scraps from the production of Model T’s into charcoal briquets. He built a charcoal plant, and the rest is history. The Kingsford Company was formed when E.G. Kingsford, a relative of Ford’s, brokered the site selection for Ford’s new charcoal manufacturing plant. The company, originally called Ford Charcoal, was renamed Kingsford® Charcoal in his honor. “Today, the Kingsford Products Company remains the leading manufacturer of charcoal in the U.S. More than 1 million tons of wood scraps are converted into quality charcoal briquets every year.”
“How It’s Made – Charcoal” (5:00/2010)
FOOD / BEVERAGE
“West Virginia Grown Directory”
“West Virginia’s people take a lot of pride in their heritage. Our farmer and producers are no exception – although they certainly are exceptional.
“Developed in 1986, West Virginia Grown was designed to market West Virginia grown and made products to consumers. By placing the West Virginia Grown logo on a product, they are assuring buyers that product was grown or processed, with quality ingredients, in the Mountain State.
“As local food continues to grow in popularity and consumers turn to healthier, fresher options, branding your products as local will be vital to increasing potential market opportunities. We believe this program is an important component to helping grow and diversify our economy, as well as expand our local food systems throughout West Virginia. Our mission is to convey to the consumer that when they buy a West Virginia Grown product they are putting dollars right back into the communities we all live in.
“The branding around this program is simple – West Virginians pride themselves on their heritage and culture. We always rally around one another and never shy away from supporting our great state. That same pride we have tried to emulate through our West Virginia Grown program.
“Agriculture has rich roots in the Mountain state, and we believe it will play a vital role to our future.”
Explore West Virginia Dept. of Agriculture’s “West Virginia Grown Directory” pdf (61 pages) (2020)
Explore West Virginia Dept. of Agriculture’s “West Virginia Grown” Website
“Roots of the West Virginia Apple Industry”
“West Virginia has a long and storied agricultural history, but one would hard-pressed to find one more historical than the fruit industry. It can be traced back to its beginnings in the early 1800’s when John Chapman, commonly known as Johnny Appleseed, and his brother planted several apple nurseries near Wellsburg. Commercial production continued to increase throughout the 1800’s to the point that shipments of apples were being floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, some going as far as New Orleans. This continued until the beginning of the Civil War which prevented further shipments and the industry soon began to decrease.
“While the Civil War was the primary reason for the failure of the apple industry in the Northern Panhandle, it was also the leading factor for its growth in the Eastern Panhandle. W.S. Miller, dubbed by many as the “Father of the Apple Industry,” planted his first orchard in Gerrardstown in 1851. At the beginning of the Civil War, Mr. Miller had a large amount of nursery stock, but the market dwindled. As a result, Mr. Miller continued to expand his own permanent orchard. By the end of the war Mr. Miller had several thousand peach trees and a few hundred apple trees. From this point on, the industry expanded locally and continued into the surrounding counties of Jefferson, Morgan, Hampshire and Mineral.
“West Virginia is also the home of two commercial apple varieties. The Grimes Golden was found around 1805 near Wellsburg on the property of Thomas Grimes. It is believed it grew from a seed planted by Johnny Appleseed. In 1912, the original Golden Delicious was discovered near Porter’s Creek in Clay County. It is believed to be an offspring of the Grimes Golden. The Golden Delicious soon reached high acclaim and became the leading cultivar in the United States.
“Apple production in our state has fluctuated from a low of 1.5 million bushels in 2010 to a high of over 12 million bushels in 1931. Peach production has varied from a low of 150,000 bushels in 2000 to a high of 900,000 bushels in 1954. In 2013, the apple and peach industries in West Virginia were valued at $17.9 million. Over time, the industry culture has changed. Standard trees that grew to be 40 feet tall have been replaced with semi-dwarf and dwarf trees. This allows for more trees to be planted per acre and makes management and harvest easier. In early production, many orchards focused on commercial varieties, where today many are more diversified and have newer varieties that have better characteristics and quality to go directly from the farm to the consumer. Many orchardists are also planting other tree fruits like cherries, apricots, and plums.
“Ask for West Virginia grown apples at your local market. You will be impressed with the fresh and crisp quality that only Mountain State orchards can provide. Take a bite out of West Virginia history.” — Derek Richard, WVDA Fruit and Vegetable Inspection Program Supervisor — WVDA Market Bulletin December 2016
“Paw Paws”
“Aileen Wren and John Porter talk about the interesting fruit that is the paw paw. A little-known native of the eastern United States, paw paw fruit has yellow-green skin and soft, orange flesh with a creamy, custard-like consistency.” (1.44/2016/Charleston Gazette-Mail)
“Edible Mountain”
“Edible Mountain is a bite-sized, digital series from WVPB that showcases some of Appalachia’s overlooked and underappreciated products of the forest while highlighting their mostly forgotten uses. The series features experts, from botanists to conservationists, who provide insight on how to sustainably forage these delicacies. It also explores the preparation of these amazing delectables, something that many could achieve in the home kitchen.”
Topics include:
- What is a Paw Paw
- How To Make Sumac Lemonade
- How To Make Chanterelle Ice Cream
- Cordyceps: The Zombie Mushroom
- How To Make Dandelion Jelly
- How To Create A Yard Salad
- How To Safely Eat Pokeweed Shoots
- Hunting With Raptors
- How To Make Sassafras Tea
- How To Sustainably Harvest Ramps
- (There may be additional topics when you visit the website)
Explore West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s “Edible Mountain” Website
The following audio-only programs, as well as several of the above video programs, are on a second website:
- Edible Appalachia, Public School Challenges On This West Virginia Morning
- Ramp Hunting Means Spring In Appalachia
- Forest Farming, Falcons and Frozen Fungus Ice Cream? We Got It All Inside Appalachia
Explore West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s “Edible Mountain” Second Website
From West Virginia Public Broadcasting:
“Disclaimer: Folks. We hope that you take caution when entering the forest. Please, always be aware of your surroundings, while treading lightly, so as to not disturb the natural joy and wonder that our wilderness provides.
“While most of the flora or fauna described in Edible Mountain has been identified by experts in the field, it is critical to your health and safety that you properly ID any item in the forest before eating it, let alone touching it. If you are uncertain about anything, then please leave it alone and ask for an expert’s advice. Many dangerous plants and fungi share similar properties which make them easily confused with their non-lethal relatives.
“West Virginia Public Broadcasting (WVPB) wants you to discover, protect, and enjoy your natural surroundings. We do not want to see you harmed. Please harvest sustainably so that the bounty can be enjoyed by future generations.
“The information contained within Edible Mountain is for general information purposes only. WVPB assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents on this Service. WVPB make no guarantees as to the accuracy of the information presented, and any action you take upon the information in this program is strictly at your own risk.
“In no event shall WVPB or contributors be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. WVPB reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modification to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice.”
“Mountain State Science – Sustainable Agriculture Research”
“We continue our Mountain State Science series with a visit to the campus of West Virginia State University near Charleston, and its Agricultural and Environmental Research Station. Suzanne Higgins reports the program is growing crops — and growing the economy.” (9:28/2011/WV Public Broadcasting)
“Oliverio Peppers” – Harrison Co.
“Oliverio Italian Style Peppers is a family-owned business that has operated in Clarksburg, W.Va., for 40 years, making a range of products, from peppers in sauce or in brine to cauliflower and a garden mix, as well as hot and mild vinegar peppers. It has thrived in its niche, leading the U.S. Small Business Administration to recognize the company as one of the state’s best businesses. In 2012, Oliverio expanded and modernized. Soon, co-owner Deanna Mason hopes to double or triple production and hire more staff.” (1:23/2013/WVCommerce)
Explore “Oliverio Peppers” Commercial Website
“Pepperoni Rolls” – Marion Co.
From the Marion Co. Historical Society — “The pepperoni roll was invented by Giuseppe “Joseph” Argiro at the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, West Virginia, in 1927. The rolls originated as a lunch option for the coal miners of north-central West Virginia in the first half of the 20th century. Pepperoni rolls do not need to be refrigerated for storage and could readily be packed for lunch by miners. Pepperoni and other Italian foods became popular in north-central West Virginia in the early 20th century, when the booming mines and railroads attracted many immigrants from Italy. “The pepperoni roll bears a resemblance to the pasty and sausage roll, which originated in the mining communities of Great Britain, as well as to the Italian calzone. The pepperoni roll is a snack popular in West Virginia and some nearby regions of the Appalachian Mountains such as Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland and Appalachian Ohio. It is ubiquitous in West Virginia, particularly in convenience stores, and is arguably the food most closely associated with the state.”
“The Pepperoni Roll Story” — West Virginia Three Rivers Festival
“Since 1983. The Festival officially opens on Thursday, with the start of the Grand Feature Parade followed by the Opening Ceremonies at Palatine Park in Downtown Fairmont. Following this are three days of fun-filled activities for the whole family. Please come and enjoy the live entertainment, carnival, parade, fantastic food and a gigantic fireworks display to finish it all off. It all culminates Saturday with the Amateur Pepperoni Roll Bake-Off, so come hungry because the public chooses the winner here. So now that you have sampled the local fare and spent a weekend riding carnival rides, sit back and enjoy the evenings scheduled entertainment, followed by fireworks. Monongahela , Tygart and the West Fork River will lead you to a weekend of fun to kick off your summer here in Fairmont.” (3:21/2011/ward)
Explore “West Virginia Three Rivers Festival” Website
“Pepperoni Rolls, the Pride of West Virginia”
“
In the 1920s, a coal miner from Calabria, Italy who resettled in West Virginia coal country, opened the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, and introduced the pepperoni roll, a portable meal that miners really dug into. Conor Knighton talks with food writer Candace Nelson about why West Virginians can’t get enough of their delicious, utilitarian snack.” (3:20/2018 / CBS Sunday Morning)
“Hazelton Milling” – “Making Buckwheat Flour” – Preston Co.
“Hazelton Milling Co. produces 2.5 tons of buckwheat flour for Preston County’s annual Buckwheat Festival, using stones dating back to 1857.” (1:49/2013 / Eric Tomlinson)
(Unfortunately, Hazelton Milling is not currently operating.)
“Le Sage Natural” – Cabell Co.
“
Green Acres was founded over 50 years ago to provide services and programs for children with special needs. Today, LeSage Natural, a division of Green Acres, is the only bottling facility in the country whose sole purpose is employing and training people with developmental disabilities. To that end, regardless of the quantity, we do not refer to anybody who takes our water as a ‘customer’. Far from that, you are considered a ‘partner’ in the truest sense of the word.”
“Among the thousands of bottling facilities throughout the United States and the world, LeSage Natural is definitely one-of-a-kind. But our impact does not stop at the end of our driveway. In addition to providing employment at our own facility, our water, derived from our own deep-sealed wells, is transported to other similar facilities throughout West Virginia. Those facilities are then able to employ people with disabilities to distribute our water in those parts of the state, thus enabling even more job opportunities.”
Explore “Le Sage Natural” Website
“Sweet Springs Valley Water” – Monroe Co.
“Sweet Springs Valley Water Co. is proud of the services and the products we provide. In 2010, we were recognized at the International Water Tasting competition for being the only company to win for four years. Our award winning, best tasting water comes directly from our springs to you, ensuring the top quality.”
“Our springs are located near the top of Peters Mountain, along the eastern Continental Divide, in the Sweet Springs Valley of Monroe County, West Virginia. Our fresh, spring water is gravity-fed to our bottling facility, where it is filtered to ensure its purity.”
Explore “Sweet Springs Valley Water” Website
“Howdy Henritz, plant/sales manager of Sweet Springs Valley Water located in Gap Mills, West Virginia, discusses his company’s spring water business.” (7:57/2010 / The WVGreenWorks Channel)
“Custard Stand” – Webster Co.
“The Cowger family opened The Custard Stand in 1991 as a take-out dairy bar in Webster Springs, West Virginia, and incorporated a century-old family recipe for the hot dog chili. Customers kept asking where they could buy Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili. They asked so many times that in 2003, we converted the three-bay car wash behind the Webster Springs restaurant into a state of the art, USDA-approved production facility.”
“Hot dogs just got a makeover. Throw the other stuff away and introduce your taste buds to our century-old family recipe for Custard Stand Hot Dog Chili. America’s tastiest chili uses only 100% ground beef which has been finely ground and simmered to perfection with our secret blend of spices and quality ingredients. Best of all, it doesn’t include sausage or fillers such as textured vegetable protein or soy and it is also free of trans-fats, additives, preservatives and gluten. We can produce and package daily 4,000 pounds or more of hot dog chili and chili soup. Our slow-cook process blends pure ground beef with premium ingredients and spices for a distinctive flavor. The storage facility holds more than 2,000 cases of packaged product.”
Explore “Custard Stand” Commercial Website
“Restaurant Road Trip – The Custard Stand” (2:09/2012 / macallallen-WBOY)
“Rand McNally/USA Today’s Best of the Road video”
“Addison/Webster Springs, WV, and The Custard Stand are featured in this video for Rand McNally/USA Today’s Best of the Road competition.” (3:31/2011)
“Hillbilly Hotdogs” – Cabell Co.
“Guy Fieri from the Food Network show ‘Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” comes to Hillbilly Hotdogs in Lesage WV” (2:12/2007 / WSAZ)
“The West Virginia Hot Dogs Slaw Mapping Project”
“While the vast majority of West Virginians prefer hot dogs topped with coleslaw, it is not a standard topping at hot dog joints (HDJs) everywhere in West Virginia. The food culture of our state is diverse and influenced by many factors such as predominate ethnicities and a melding with cultures of surrounding states. This mapping project attempts to document this diversity.
“All of the counties shaded in light green have been verified to have HDJs that include slaw as a topping on a hot dog with “everything”. Yellow indicates counties where HDJs usually offer slaw. In orange counties you can usually get slaw, but some HDJs may not offer it. Orange indicates counties where slaw is almost never available in mainstream HDJs. Finally, in those counties shaded red, slaw is unheard of.”
“What Is A West Virginia Hot Dog? A true West Virginia hot dog is a heavenly creation that begins with a wiener on a soft steamed bun. Add mustard, a chili-like sauce and top it off with coleslaw and chopped onions and you have a symphony of taste that quite possibly is the reason that many transplanted West Virginians can never really be happy living anywhere else. Different parts of West Virginia have variations on the theme but the common elements are sweet, creamy coleslaw and chili. Anything else is just not a true West Virginia hot dog!”
Explore “The West Virginia Hot Dog Blog” Website – “A place to discuss the uniquely delectable gift from heaven known as the West Virginia Hot Dog.”
“Mister Bee Potato Chips” – Wood Co.
“The Only Potato Chip Made in West Virginia!”
“West Virginia Potato Chip Company, LLC manufactures Mister Bee Potato Chips in West Virginia, serving that state as well as parts of Ohio and Kentucky. We use only the best of ingredients, including only the best possible potatoes on the market and pure vegetable oil for cooking. In addition, all of our potato chips are gluten-free.”
“This is a Mister Bee potato chip commercial that I animated, designed and edited in 2008.” (:30/2010/TDCJason)
“How Do They Make Potato Chips?” (4:19/2011 / NFB-Canada)
“How It’s Made – Potato Chips” (4:51/2016)
“West Virginia Beekeepers Association”
“The purpose of the organization shall be to promote the general interest in the pursuit of bee culture. This is accomplished by promoting awareness about honey bees, their fight for survival, what can be done to aid their survival and the support of beekeepers.”
“Since 1917, the West Virginia Beekeepers Association has guided beekeepers in the mountain state through educational, financial, agricultural, and scientific means. The association hosts an annual spring and fall conference that features educational workshops and some of the finest speakers in beekeeping. Workshops are suited for all varying levels and interests. The conference halls are always buzzing when we come together in the name of beekeeping!
“The WVBA works with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture to promote the honey bee, hive products, and initiatives to support beekeepers. Through education, collaboration and camaraderie, the WVBA strives to promote the honeybee and support the beekeepers of West Virginia. Wild and Wonderful, it’s what the buzz is all about!”
Explore “West Virginia Beekeepers Association” Website
“How It’s Made – Honey” (4:45 / 2009)
“Appalachian Botanical Co.”
“We grow lavender on reclaimed coal mine land, and we provide second-chance employment to area residents. Learn more about how we’re bringing economic opportunity and growth to Southern West Virginia. . .Since 2019, Appalachian Botanical Co. has been growing lavender and raising bees in Ashford, WV. We’re proud to offer exceptional, curated body care, aromatherapy, culinary and home goods products made by West Virginians. Through our commitment to sustainable agriculture on reclaimed coal mine land, we bring economic opportunity and growth to Boone County.”
Explore “Appalachian Botanical Co.” Website
“Appalachian Botanical Co. is growing lavender on reclaimed coal mine land in Ashford, Boone County, West Virginia. We planted 20,000 plants in the spring and have our first bloom. Now we’re prepping to plant 40,000 more plants. Here are a few of the people who make that happen.” (3:07/2020 / Appalachian Botanical Co.)
“How It’s Made – Lavender Essential Oil”
“Discovery and Science Channel’s How It’s Made Lavender Essential Oil episode.” (5:00 / 2014)
“West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association”
“The West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association is for people interested in WV maple or firms involved with producing, processing & marketing maple syrup.”
“The West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association helps West Virginia farmers connect with each other. Most of our farms focus on maple syrup and related products. However, some are exploring other tree syrups such as sycamore and walnut. Association members help each other with tips about tapping trees, where to get good equipment, and other experiences. Additionally, they share information with farmers who are interested in starting sugar-houses.”
Explore “West Virginia Maple Syrup Producers Association” Website
“West Virginia’s Maple Staple”
“Adam and Rachel Taylor are fairly new to the maple game. After attending a maple camp at Cornell University in New York in 2014, Frostmore Farms have upgraded their farm to a more sophisticated and healthier way of collecting sap.”
(1:39/2016 / Charleston Gazette-Mail)
“West Virginia Maple Syrup”
“The maple syrup industry in West Virginia seen through the work of three producers.” (5:49/2019 / Dan Hollis)
“How It’s Made – Maple Syrup” (5:36 / 2010)
“Holl’s Chocolates” – Wood Co.
“Holl’s Chocolates is a small, family-owned business that specializes in creating traditional Swiss chocolates. Their commitment to creating authentic Swiss chocolates grows out of the experiences of three generations of Swiss trained chocolatiers.” “Fresh. Hand-Crafted. Authentic. Our time-tested family philosophy is simple: Use fresh, high quality ingredients and old-world technique. Each of our hand-crafted truffles and confections begin with raw chocolate imported from Switzerland. Small batches, and traditional Swiss methods, ensure freshness and quality in everything we create.”
Explore “Holl’s Chocolates” Commercial Website
“DeFluri’s Chocolates” – Berkeley Co.
“DeFluri’s is a family operation that’s owned, loved, and tended daily by veteran chocolatiers Brenda and Charlie Casabona. Using pure, quality ingredients in time-perfected recipes, DeFluri’s brings you truly superior fine chocolates. “Pure, Natural Ingredients. At DeFluri’s, we choose our ingredients with care, perfect our recipes over time, and make all of our chocolates with a loving, personal touch. DeFluri’s uses pure and natural ingredients in recipes that have boon honed by more than two decades of chocolate making. Co-founder and veteran chocolatier Brenda Casabona (né DeFluri) blends a wide variety of fresh ingredients and flavors, to create both the classic favorites you’ve loved since you were a kid, as well as innovative new delicacies.”
Explore “DeFluri’s Chocolates” Commercial Website
“How It’s Made – Luxury Chocolates”
This video shows making luxury chocolates on a large scale. The two companies above make much better chocolates by hand on a much smaller scale. (4:58/2013)
“Ziegenfelder Frozen Treat Co” – Ohio Co.
“For well over a century, the Ziegenfelder name has been synonymous with the big and happy smiles that come from enjoying wholesome treats. A rich history of customer service and homemade products that began with candy, expanded into ice cream and evolved to become one of the largest producers of frozen twin pops in the United States. From early days in 1861 until today, Ziegenfelder has evolved into a company that focuses solely on the creation of the best-tasting highest quality frozen ice novelties available anywhere, commonly referred to as the ‘Rainbow Array™.’ ‘Our goal has always been, and remains, making the highest quality, best tasting products in the market and selling them to our valued consumers at the best price possible.’ –Lisa Allen, President”
Explore “Ziegenfelder” Commercial Website
“Budget Saver – Find Your Happy Place”
“Find your Happy Place with Budget Saver twin pops!” (1:35/2015/Ziegenfelder Frozen Treat Co.)
“How It’s Made – Frozen Treats” (4:50/2009)
“Krispy Kreme Doughnuts” – Kanawha County
“Krispy Kreme is an international retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937.”
Explore “Krispy Kreme” Commercial Website
“How Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Are Made” (3:06 / 2017 / Tasty)
“Heiner’s” – Cabell Co.
Heiner’s in Huntington is West Virginia’s last large-scale commercial bakery.
“Charles Heiner, the great grandson of the founders, attributes the Bakery’s success to its employees, a strong work ethic, and a principle that has been passed down from generation to generation: use the best ingredients, deliver the freshest bread and give the customers exceptional value. “We have always tried to be low-key and let the product speak for itself,” he says.” (Heiner’s is now part of BimBo Bakeries USA)
Explore the Wayback Machine’s archived “Heiner’s Bakery” commercial website
“Heiner’s Bakery Field Trip”
“Since the Heiner family sold its bakery a number of years ago, I’m not sure if the current bakery still welcomes visits from local school children, but it sure did when Earl Heiner, Dutch Heiner and Charles Heiner ran the family business. Thousands of young students from across the Tri-State area have had the pleasure and privilege of touring Heiner’s Bakery – an eye-opening and mouth-watering experience they will never forget. Back in “the day” at WOWK-TV, I had the pleasure and privilege of producing a regular series of stories called “Field Trip,” in which I invited our viewers to tag along on some of the most popular school field trips in the region. And now, you’re invited to tag along on this field trip to the most heavenly smelling place in Huntington. Enjoy.” (2:19/2016 / Doug Shells)
“How It’s Made – Bread” (5:30 / 2008)
“United Dairy” – Kanawha Co.
“United Dairy A Family Tradition Since 1954”
“Our Story: Nearly sixty years ago a small dairy began in a riverfront town between the Ohio Valley and the hills of West Virginia. The dairy’s roots began with families coming together to produce a product that they would be proud of. Over the years United Dairy has grown larger and expanded all the while supporting local farmer and local employees.
“At United Dairy we are so fortunate to be located in the heart of the farm country nestled in the Appalachian hills. We are surrounded by the best family-owned dairies that take pride in the high-quality dairy products they produce. Every nutrient-packed, antibiotic and artificial growth hormone-free gallon of milk comes from farms located within 100 miles of our United Dairy plants. We are committed to selling local milk from local farms to ensure the freshest product from your community.”
Explore “United Dairy” commercial website
“Labor Day at the Dairy Plant”
“A visit to the multi-generational United Dairy Plant on the West Side of Charleston, W.Va., for Labor Day. This is a companion video to a story by Maria Young in the Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016 Charleston Gazette-Mail” (1:27/2016 / Charleston Gazette-Mail)
“J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works” – Kanawha Co.
“We have come together to revive our 200-year-old family trade in Malden, West Virginia, and once again produce salt for our local communities and beyond. With our love of the land and our shared culinary passion, we have worked to produce a rare, small-batch table salt, harvested from the ancient Iapetus Ocean trapped underneath the mountains of Appalachia. The result is a pure, delicious salt sure to transform any dish.”
Explore “J. Q. Dickinson Salt Works” commercial website
“Our Salt Making Process”
“Learn how we make our salt. A five week, very slow process, dependent on Mother Nature, makes amazing salt.” (2:00/2015/ J Q Dickinson Salt-Works)
WV Made / WV Grown
GLASS / POTTERY
“The glass industry in West Virginia is uniquely situated at the intersection of art, science and technology. Glass products made in West Virginia are famous throughout our country and the world for their functional beauty and fine craftsmanship.”
“Sand – US Silica” – Morgan Co.
“U.S. Silica’s Berkeley Springs plant has been mining the Oriskany deposit along the Warm Springs Ridge for over 100 years. The sand here is a 99.9% pure, buff-white sandstone that is low in iron, making it perfect for flat glass, specialty glass, building products, ceramics, paint, fillers, extenders, pool filtration and recreational use.”
“Glass Making, Glass Blowing, Glass Cutting: Seneca Glass” – 1974 – National Park Service
“Recaptures the production of early hand-blown glassware at Seneca Glass in Morgantown, WV.”
“Public domain film from the National Archives, slightly cropped to remove uneven edges, with the aspect ratio corrected, and mild video noise reduction applied. The soundtrack was also processed with volume normalization, noise reduction, clipping reduction, and equalization (the resulting sound, though not perfect, is far less noisy than the original).” (23:14/2014/Jeff Quitney)
“Marble King” – Tyler Co.
“Established in the late 1940’s, Marble King Marbles are highly recognized and respected worldwide. We are known for our tradition, quality, and history and manufacture more than 1 million toy, game, decorative, collectible, and industrial marbles every day!”
Explore “Marble King” commercial website
“John Ratzenberger/Made in America” (8:12/2007/bbqtube)
“Fire & Sand – How Glass is Made for Bottles and Jars” – Owens-Illinois, Inc.
“This video gives an overview of how the world’s largest glass container maker, O-I, makes bottles and jars for the leading food and beverage companies.” (5:34/2015/Owens-Illinois)
“Appalachian Glass – Lewis Co.”
Mission: “To keep the tradition of hand made glass, and other dying arts, Alive in West Virginia.” Products: “Appalachian Glass offers over 500 traditionally produced soda-lime crystal products. From novelty items to elegant stemware and vases, all items are hand-crafted and mouth-blown in West Virginia. Also featured are high quality, hand-crafted jelly-jar candles that are available in over 50 scents.”
Explore “Applachian Glass” commercial website
“A Tour of Appalachian Glass Studio in Weston, WV” (8:35/2013/Appalachian Glass Products & Services)
“Weston holds close ties to the history of glass production in America”
January 4, 2017
“When looking into Lewis County’s past, it’s impossible to ignore the impact that the glass industry has had on the area. The glass industry first came to Weston due to the natural gas that could be found in the county, said Scott Meyer, owner of West Virginia American Art Glass. . .”
Explore Weston Democrat’s “Weston holds close ties to . . .” article to continue reading (pdf)
“Blenko Glass – Cabell Co.”
“Blenko Glass is an American institution and has been in business since 1893. For over 100 years Blenko has maintained and will carry on the tradition of hand making glassware in America. We offer a wide range of products which include functional glassware, art glass, mouth blown sheet glass, dalle de verre and other quality products.”
Explore “Blenko Glass” commercial website
“Blenko Glass Company – A Brief History” “A brief history of Blenko Glass Company told by Dean Six.” (9:45/2021/Blenko Glass Company)
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“Blenko West Virginia Day Pieces”
“On June 20, 1863 West Virginia was incorporated as the 35th state of the union and to commemorate this historic day; for over 40 years, Blenko Glass has designed and sold a limited number of stunning birthday pieces! Enjoy this compilation of West Virginia Day pieces photos.”
Explore Blenko Glass’ “West Virginia Day Pieces” commercial website
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“A gift of glass: Blenko collector donates commemorative birthday pieces to West Virginia”
June 19, 2018
“John Homburg has found a knack for surrounding himself with delicate beauty. It’s evident in his once-scraggly yard, now so covered with flowers that there’s no room for grass. It’s there in the broken shards he’s crafted into stained glass windows — 23 of them, to be exact. And it’s there inside his home in Charleston’s Edgewood neighborhood, filled with decades of colored creations from one of West Virginia’s only remaining glass factories. . .” (These images courtesy of the West Virginia State Museum.)
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“Blenko Glass Company is celebrating WV Day by carrying on their tradition of creating a limited edition West Virginia Day piece. This years special piece “Specimen” was inspired by the states long history with coal.” (2:39/2023/Charleston Gazette-Mail)
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“Blenko Glass offers first look at 2022 West Virginia Day Piece”
“Every year, Blenko Glass Co. in Milton, celebrates West Virginia Day by releasing a limited-edition piece of glass art. This week, the company gave a first look at the 2022 piece, which will go on sale at noon Saturday June 18, which is two days before West Virginia Day, which is Monday, June 20. The piece, which is known as “Cabin in the Woods” will be . . . “
Explore Charleston Gazette’s “Honoring State’s Birthday” article to continue reading
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“West Virginia Day – 2021”
“Dean Six discussing the 2021 West Virginia Birthday Piece and some of the history behind the event and the designers.” (6:35/2021/Blenko Glass Company)
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“Blenko’s 2020 West Virginia Day Piece”
“This year’s piece, “Take Me Home,” is an homage to the curvaceous and winding roads that wrap around the hills, valleys, and mountains of our great state. Designed and individually hand signed by our long time Blenko staff member Charlie Harshbarger, this piece stands 16” tall and is available in Blenko’s newest shade of green, Mint. This green pays tribute to the lush forests and woodlands that surround us in the Mountain State. The annual piece is also hand signed by Blenko Glass Company President, John W. Blenko.”
(We cannot find a video for the 2020 West Virginia Day Piece.)
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“Making of Blenko’s 2019 West Virginia Day Piece”
“This year’s West Virginia Day piece, called “Voices”, evokes the age old ritual of mountain stories and oral traditions in the Appalachian region for which we are famous. Stories, songs and memories span generations in the West Virginia hills.” (5:37/2019/Blenko Glass Company)
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“The Making of [the 2018 West Virginia 155th] Anniversary Piece” (13:25/2019/Blenko Glass Company)
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“Blenko Glass 2017 West Virginia Day Piece, The Making of . . . Video”
“This Video shows the process of Blenko Glass creating the 2017 West Virginia Day Piece. Original Video Music Soundtrack by local Huntington, West Virginia musician Erik Woods!
“Come join us on this special occasion as we celebrate our state’s 154th birthday during our Annual West Virginia Day Celebration. On June 20, 1863 West Virginia was incorporated as the 35th state of the union and to commemorate this historic day Blenko Glass has designed 154 limited and stunning pieces to be sold to the public on a first come first serve basis.
“This year’s birthday piece, known as “Sun Over The Mountains” will go on sale Saturday, June 17. The doors will open at 8am, get in line early so you don’t miss your chance to own one of these rare and beautiful pieces!. Each piece will be numbered and signed by Blenko President, Walter Blenko Jr. as well as the West Virginia Piece Designer, Aaron Harvey. During the celebration we will have West Virginia Day birthday cake and refreshments for all to enjoy (while supplies last) and Walter Blenko Jr. will be available to sign additional glass purchases. . .” (4:35/2017/Blenko Customs)
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“Blenko’s 2016 West Virginia Day Glass Piece”
“See the making, or ‘spawning,’ of the 2016 Blenko West Virginia Day Glass Piece! West Virginia Day Celebration June 17-18, 2016. Annually we produce a very limited, special edition piece to celebrate our state’s birthday. West Virginia will be 153 years old this year, so we offer 153 pieces only. A Friday night open house with special prices. WV Birthday piece offered beginning at 8AM Saturday. Line forms several days earlier. A special annual limited edition production, signing event and sale.” (3:30/2016/BlenkoCustoms)
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“Blenko Glass fires ‘Autumn Flame’ to Commemorate West Virginia Anniversary” (2015)
“The Autumn Flame, an oak leaf laced with a golden amber and traced with the gradually fading tangerine red along the rim and base, embodies not only the unique skillset of Blenko Glass Company’s production team, but an aspect of the state’s natural beauty as well.”
Explore information from Charleston Gazette-Mail’s Website to continue reading and view photos.
“Standing about a foot tall, the annual Blenko state birthday piece is designed to pay homage to the state as West Virginia reaches 152 years of statehood.” (3:21/2015/Charleston Gazette-Mail)
“The Paul Wissmach Glass Company” – Tyler Co.
“The Paul Wissmach Glass Company, Inc. has been making glass since 1904, in Paden City, West Virginia, USA. We constantly introduce new colors and types of glass to meet the demands of today’s glass artists and designers.
“Making glass is a hot business, both literally and figuratively. The factory has 14 brick furnaces that use natural gas to heat the limestone, soda ash and sand to 2,200°F (1,200°C). Different mixtures of ingredients create the distinct Wissmach colors. After heating, workers scoop the molten glass from the furnace and wheel it over to the glass press where a roller presses it into one of the 18 patterns that the company produces. The glass then travels down a 125 foot conveyor through a temperature controlled kiln called a lehr. The purpose of the lehr is to anneal the glass, or slowly and evenly cool it, to give the glass its durability and to prevent shattering or heat related breaking. At the end of the conveyor, workers carefully remove the cooled sheet of glass and cut it to the appropriate size.”
Explore “Paul Wissmach Glass Company” commercial website
Mixing glass (1:11/2014/jclipscomb84)
Casting glass (1:24/2014/jclipscomb84)
“Homer Laughlin China” – Hancock Co.
“Unique among the world’s producers of tableware for our wealth of styles, the HLC Family of Companies offers an impressive array of dinnerware and accessories to suit any commercial or institutional establishment. The Homer Laughlin China Company is over 1,000 people who are passionate about dinnerware. The time-honored craft of pottery making has been in our blood for generations. Turning simple clay into dinnerware is our art. “One of the most collected dinnerware products in the world, the beloved Fiesta® line was originally introduced in just five colors and was an unprecedented sensation. Today, Fiesta continues to add unparalleled character and vibrance to every table. Fourteen bold colors complement each other beautifully and can be mixed-and-matched with other shapes to amp up or dial down the color range to suit your own unique presentation or culinary whims.”
“Made In America Featuring Homer Laughlin China” (8:46/2012/Homer Laughlin China – HLC Inc.)
“Homer Laughlin China”
Shows much of the production process, facilities, and history. (14:38/2013/caseymaloneshow)
“Homer Laughlin Fiesta® China Dinnerware”
Homer Lauglin Fiesta tableware is featured on “Made in America” on CBS. (4:24/2013)
WV Made / WV Grown
CHEMICALS / POLYMERS
The first commercial ethylene plant was established in Clendenin, West Virginia, in 1920, and is regarded as the origin of the petrochemical industry.
“West Virginia Chemical and Polymers” – West Virginia Dept. of Commerce
“With four of the world’s largest chemical firms and other chemical manufacturers in the Chemical Alliance Zone (CAZ), West Virginia is home to one of the highest concentration of chemical manufacturers in the world.” “Find one of the highest concentrations of resin producers in the world in West Virginia’s Polymer Alliance Zone (PAZ). PAZ also has one of the highest concentrations of high-technology, specialty and engineering polymers production in the world.”
“Chemical Alliance Zone”
“It Takes Great Chemistry for a Relationship to Last this Long. “For more than 70 years, West Virginia has been a premier destination for the world’s leading chemical companies. A unique balance of rich natural resources, an excellent infrastructure, competitive taxes and incentives, strong community support for the chemical industry and a skilled workforce make it an optimum location. “The Chemical Alliance Zone (CAZ) was created in 1999 to channel and leverage efforts to strengthen our local chemical industry. A nonprofit collaborative of citizens, labor leaders, educators, government officials, chemical executives and business leaders, the CAZ is dedicated to maintaining and expanding the business of chemistry throughout West Virginia. Using a synergistic approach, the CAZ promotes the region to chemical companies, businesses that use their products and entities that produce related consumer-end goods.”
The Chemical Alliance Zone, Inc is a non-profit group of citizens, labor leaders, educators, government officials, chemical executives and business leaders committed to maintaining and expanding the presence of the chemical industry in the West Virginia counties of Cabell, Kanawha, Putnam, Wayne, and parts of Marshall. “For decades the chemical industry has been vital to the economic and educational structure of West Virginia. The industry is responsible for more than 10,000 direct jobs and nearly 45,500 indirect jobs in West Virginia.The engineers and scientists who have been attracted to our region have enhanced our local schools and institutions of higher learning. The chemical industry has always been a welcome neighbor in our communities and the Chemical Alliance Zone, Inc. is committed to fostering new and stronger relationships with the chemical industry for decades to come.”
Explore “Chemical Alliance Zone” Website
“Polymer Alliance Zone”
The “Polymer Alliance Zone®, Inc (PAZ) was created in 1996 as a pilot project of the State of West Virginia through an executive order of Governor Gaston Caperton. PAZ has one of the highest concentrations of high-technology, specialty and engineering polymers production in the world “PAZ is located on the banks of the Ohio River in scenic northwest West Virginia. Its three host counties (Jackson, Mason and Wood) have ample access to highway, rail and river transportation and are part of an environment that has attracted a good deal of industrial activity to the region related to the chemical industry. Currently more than a dozen nationally known companies operate chemical plants in the region.”
Explore “Polymer Alliance Zone” Website
(4:14/2012/PAZ WV)
“What Is a Polymer?”
“The word polymer comes from the Greek ‘poly’ meaning ‘many,’ and ‘meros’ meaning ‘parts or units.’ A polymer is a group of many units. You combine many monomers (one unit) to create a polymer. ‘Polymer’ is often used as a synonym for ‘plastic,’ but many biological and inorganic molecules are also polymeric. All plastics are polymers, but not all polymers are plastics. Plastic actually refers to the way a material melts and flows. Commercial polymers are formed through chemical reactions in large vessels under heat and pressure. Other ingredients are added to control how the polymer is formed and to produce the proper molecular length and desired properties. This chemical process is called ‘polymerization.’ “
“Mountain State Science – Polymers” – West Virginia Public Broadcasting
“Scattered throughout West Virginia are companies manufacturing goods made out of plastics – from eyeglass lenses to food packaging to party tents. And there’s plenty of research underway in this burgeoning industry. As part of our Mountain State Science series, Erica Peterson reports on scientists in the Kanawha Valley who are working to develop a new type of plastic.” (7:49/2011/WV Public Broadcasting)
“DuPont Washington Works” – Wood Co.
“DuPont Washington Works is the site of DuPont’s second-largest manufacturing facility in the world. Since opening in 1948, our site has expanded to include the manufacturing of hundreds of products that primarily supply the construction and automotive industries. The plant also develops materials that are integral to many of the consumer products used daily by American families including toothbrushes, sports equipment, non-stick cookware and paint. Our production efforts are supported by advanced research and technology teams that drive new product development.” (2:03/2011/WV Commerce)
“Eagle Manufacturing” – Brooke Co.
“Eagle Manufacturing Company, a family owned business established in 1894, is a prime manufacturer of Safety Cans, Safety Cabinets, Secondary Spill Containment Products, Poly Drums, Material Handling Products and Cigarette Receptacles. Eagle designs and manufactures all of its own products. Eagle is certified to the ISO-9001:2008 Quality System and is the most respected brand name for consistent quality and value. All of Eagle’s products are ‘Made in USA.’ ”
Eagle Manufacturing Company makes both steel and plastic products. (3:43/2014/Eagle Manufacturing)
“Eagle Flammable Cabinet | Flammable Liquid Storage Cabinets | Eagle Safety Cabinets” (0:52/2016/FindSafetyProducts)
How It’s Made – Plastic Gasoline Containers (4:50/2010)
WV Made / WV Grown
METALS
“Century Aluminum” – Jackson Co.
“Our Ravenswood facility is owned and operated by our subsidiary, Century Aluminum of West Virginia, Inc. Built in 1957, Ravenswood has four potlines with a production capacity of 170,000 metric ton per year (mtpy). The facility is located adjacent to the Ohio River.”
<<Century has closed and sold the plant. In late 2016, plans were announced by the new owners to demolish the buildings and create a new industrial park>>
“Constellium” – Jackson Co.
“Constellium Rolled Products Ravenswood, LLC, is a rolled aluminum products plant with over 900 1050 employees. The Ravenswood plant is one of the world’s largest rolled products facilities, offering customers the most powerful plate stretcher in the world, and one of the largest cold rolling mills, as well.”
“About Constellium’s plant at Ravenswood:
“Built in 1957, the plant houses 62 acres (about 250,900 m²) of production facilities on a 514-acre (about 2,080,000 m²) site. It is the largest employer in Jackson County, West Virginia (United States) and one of the top 50 businesses in West Virginia. Today, the Ravenswood plant produces plate, sheet and coil products for aerospace, defense, transportation, marine, and other industrial uses.”
Casting — “The Ravenswood cast house specializes in high-purity casting for the aerospace plate market as well as casting for our transportation, industry and defense products.”
Hot mill — “One of the most powerful and versatile in the industry, the Ravenswood hot mill produces a wide variety of specifications for aerospace and general engineering plate along with wide coil for transportation markets.”
Plate shop — “The Ravenswood plate shop is known as a leading center in the industry. With the world’s largest stretcher, closely coupled to the heat treatment furnaces, Ravenswood provides unique production capabilities not found anywhere else in the industry and delivers unique products to our customers.”
Cold mill — “The Ravenswood cold mill is one of the industry’s widest mills with a unique feature of backup roll bending. This mill produces an array of thicknesses and widths for our transportation and marine markets.”
“Constellium. Ideas. Materialized.” (3:15/2014/Constellium)
“Constellium Ribbon Cutting”
“Corporate and union officials joined Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin in cutting the ribbon opening the new 30 million pound aluminum stretcher at the Constellium aluminum rolling mill at Ravenswood. The $46 million investment is the world’s largest, most powerful aluminum stretcher that will help the company serve customers in the aerospace and defense industries.” (3:54/2012/charley west)
“Novelis” – Marion Co. and Upshur Co.
“The Fairmont plant is an aluminum sheet and heavy gauge foil cold rolling facility, with precision slitting and annealing capability. The plant is the leading supplier of fin stock in North America for both automotive and HVAC markets, as well as semi-rigid container stock markets. The Fairmont Plant supplies roughly 70 domestic and international customers with more than 435 available product specifications. The facility’s products are used in radiators, condensers, evaporators, heat cores, residential and commercial air conditioning, heat exchangers and refrigeration units.”
“Our facility in Buckhannon, West Virginia was built in 1999 to serve the electrical conductor industry and other light-gauge applications, primarily 1350 and 1100 alloy products. Since then, we have added to our capabilities in Buckhannon, including the manufacture of 3003 alloys for cookware products.”
Explore “Novelis” Commercial Website
“Who is Novelis?”
“Watch this short video to get a quick glimpse into what Novelis does and what’s most important to us.” (0:58/2014/Novelis)
“Steel: From Start to Finish”
“A narrated description of the steelmaking process.” Includes brief description of taconite mining and coke making. (6:44/2009/Alliance for American Manufacturing)
“Steel of West Virginia” – Cabell Co.
“From our beginnings in 1907, through our incorporation as STEEL OF WEST VIRGINIA, INC. in 1982, to the present, we have had a long tradition of product innovation and process improvement. One of our strategic goals is to continue to invest in our company, thus expanding and improving our manufacturing capabilities and production efficiencies. For our customers this means we will be your low-cost, high-quality producer. Our steel sections are produced from electric furnace steel, continuously cast and hot rolled on highly specialized mills. Our section capability ranges from 2.5 pounds per foot to 70 pounds per foot.”
“The President of Steel of WV speaks about energy cost savings achieved by the company as a result of energy assessment conducted by West Virginia University’s graduate students.” (2:23/2012)
“Cleveland-Cliffs” – Hancock/Brooke Co.
“Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The company is vertically integrated from mining through iron making, steelmaking, rolling, finishing and downstream with hot and cold stamping of steel parts and components.”
“A premier tin plate operation located on the northern panhandle of West Virginia along the Ohio River in the city of Weirton. The location provides shipping access along the Ohio River as well as excellent highway and railroad shipping. Products made at this location include hot-rolled, cold-rolled, galvanized, electro-galvanized and tin plate products.” (Cleveland-Cliffs purchased the ArcelorMittal plant in Weirton in 2020)
“Forging Ahead: Exploring the Steelmaking Process”
“Witness the fascinating process of transforming iron ore and coke into safe, sustainable steel.” (11:25/2014/ArcelorMittal USA)
“Wheeling-Nisshin” – Brooke Co.
“At Wheeling-Nisshin, we are committed to excellence in providing our customers with high quality, cost effective corrosion resistant sheet products manufactured in accordance with industry standards.”
“Wheeling-Nisshin Overview”
“Wheeling-Nisshin is the only steel coating mill in the North America that produces all major hot-dip coated products under one roof. Take your own personal tour of our amazing facility to learn where we came from and where we are going.” (3:57/2016/Wheeling-Nisshin)
“Nucor” – Mason Co.
“Together, We Are:
“North America’s most diversified steel and steel products company. But we’re also a team forged around a vision for leading our industry by providing unparalleled customer care, building trusted partnerships and creating sustained value.”
Explore “Nucor” Commercial Website
“Thank you for your interest in Nucor West Virginia!”
“We are excited to be building our new state-of-the-art sheet mill in Mason County, West Virginia. This website is dedicated to maintaining open communication with our new community, career seekers and potential vendors and suppliers.”
Explore “Nucor West Virginia” Commercial Website
“Nucor Steelmaking Process” (12:13/2018/Nucor Corporation)
“Special Metals” – Cabell Co.
“The Biggest in Nickel Alloy Production”
“The largest facility of its type in the world, our Huntington division offers a 130-acre operational footprint exclusively devoted to the development, production and sale of nickel alloys.”
Explore Special Metals’ “Huntington” Commercial Website
“Creating the World’s High-Performance Alloys” “Special Metals is the world leader in the invention, production and supply of high-nickel alloys for critical engineering.”
Explore “Special Metals” Commercial Website
”Special Metals Presentation” (5:38/2016/Bulldog Creative Services)
WV Made / WV Grown
VEHICLES – AUTOMOBILES/TRUCKS/COMPONENTS
“Gestamp West Virginia” – Kanawha Co.
Design and manufacture of automotive components and systems. Largest Hot Stamping plant in the world! The plant does both Hot Stamping and Cold Stamping.
“Gestamp West Virginia Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Company executives and state officials participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the newest milestone for Gestamp West Virginia. The automotive stamping plant in South Charleston is now officially in operation. By the end of 2012, the company intends to employ 100 to 120 workers. Within five years, Gestamp plans to invest at least $100 million and create a minimum of 400 jobs. The facility on MacCorkle Avenue had housed automotive stamping operations for approximately 40 years before closing in 2006. In 2007, site owner Park Corporation purchased the machinery and invested millions to refurbish the building and modernize the equipment.” (3:06/2012/WV Commerce)
“Gestamp Corporate Video” — Note there were 4 new plants–3 in China and 1 in WV! (7:00/2014/Gestamp)
“Hot Stamping” — “Press Hardening is an innovative process by which advanced ultra high strength steel is formed into complex shapes. The process involves the heating of the steel blanks until they are malleable, followed by formation and then rapid cooling in specially designed dies, creating in the process a transformed and hardened material.” (0:45/2014/Gestamp)
“Cold Stamping” — “Cold forming involves the transformation of a sheet of metal at room temperature inside a forming die under pressure.” (0:37/2014/Gestamp)
“Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia” – Putnam Co.
“TMMWV manufactures 4-cylinder and V6 engines for our operations in Indiana and Canada. The West Virginia plant also produces automatic transmissions and gears for plants in Kentucky, Indiana and Canada. “Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Buffalo, West Virginia, has more than 1,200 Toyota team members who work in our $1.3 billion plant. It’s where we make 4-cylinder engines for Corolla and Matrix, V6 engines for the Sienna, Highlander and Lexus RX350, and 6-speed automatic transmissions for Camry, Avalon, Lexus RX350, Venza, RAV4 and Highlander.” (9:37/2010/ToyotaNorthAmerica)
“Going Places – TMMWV – 10 Million Units”
“TMMWV and its 1,000 team members celebrated the production of the plant’s 10 millionth powertrain unit (engines and automatic transmissions.)” (4:00/2013/ToyotaNorthAmerica)
How It’s Made – Automatic Transmissions (4:59/2008)
How It’s Made – Automobile Engines (4:50/2010)
“Hino West Virginia” – Wood Co.
“Hino’s award winning medium duty trucks are assembled in West Virginia by Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A Inc., a subsidiary of Hino Motors, Ltd., and part of the Toyota Group Companies. Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A. is responsible for manufacturing trucks under the Hino brand, providing components for Toyota, and supplying service parts for Hino products.”
“Hino West Virginia Plant – ‘DRIVEN’ ” (5:44/2012/Hino Trucks USA)
“Hino Motors Manufacturing USA, Williamstown, WV”
“The great advantage that West Virginia has which is often not recognized is the people here in the State. The capability of the employees and commitment of the employees to build a quality product. . . The local communities and residents have welcomed us with open arms – even our Japanese personnel feel at home in Wood County….Not to mention the pride seeing so many local businesses driving Hino trucks!” – Steve Stalnaker, Vice President & Plant Manager, Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., Inc. (3:12/2012/Area Roundtable)
“GreenPower Motor Company” – Kanawha Co.
“GreenPower Motor Company began in 2010 with the vision to advance the adoption of EVs by making battery-electric buses and trucks affordable, durable, and easy to deploy. GreenPower offers commercial vehicles for delivery, public transit, schools, vanpools, micro-transit, shuttles, and more. Our battery electric buses can perform almost any route their fossil fuel burning competitors are able to, but with a much quieter and more efficient ride. GreenPower’s corporate headquarters is located in Vancouver, Canada. We have a sales and administration office in Rancho Cucamonga, CA; US assembly takes place in Porterville, CA (San Joaquin Valley).” [And South Charleston West Virginia!]
“Introducing the BEAST – Battery, Electric Automotive, School, Transportation. The BEAST gives you more battery, more range, more seating capacity, and more safety. Truss(T) the BEAST with your most precious cargo! Your Hero to Zero. (1:17/2020/GreenPower Motor)
“STaSIS Engineering” – Jefferson Co.
“When Audi owners want to “supe up” their rides, it’s a West Virginia company that helps them do it. STaSIS Engineering, based in Jefferson County, offers dealership level assistance to Audi customers who want everything from cosmetic updates, like larger, fancier wheels and different-sounding exhaust systems, to internal upgrades like higher performance capable engines.” (1:49/2011/WV Commerce)
“Nippon Thermostat” – Putnam Co.
“Nippon Thermostat of America Corp. (NTAC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Thermostat Co., Ltd. (NTCL) which was founded in 1954 in Tokyo, Japan. “Our first U.S. plant is in Fraziers Bottom, West Virginia. It has a 26,000 square foot manufacturing facility and a 5,000 square foot office management facility. NTAC also owns additional land around the plant for future expansions.” (1:43/2013/NIPPONTHERMOSTAT)
How It’s Made – Automobile Thermostats (4:59/2015)
“NGK Spark Plugs” – Kanawha Co.
“1994 – NGK Spark Plug Mfg (U.S.A.), Inc. was established in West Virginia to produce oxygen sensors. This state of the art facility is located on a forty-acre campus which includes 113,000 square feet of manufacturing and a 70,000 square foot warehouse. Initial oxygen sensor production began in July of 1995 and the warehouse addition in August of 2001. 2008 – NGK Spark Plugs Mfg. (U.S.A.), Inc. begins production of NGK spark plugs in our newly expanded West Virginia facility located in Sissonville WV.”
How It’s Made – Spark Plugs (4:39/2013)
“Diamond Electric” – Putnam Co.
“West Virginia Manufacturing Plant Eleanor, West Virginia Constructed in 1996 & began production in 1997 Primary Business: Ignition coil manufacturing: Coil on plug style.”
WV Made / WV Grown
MORE!
“Arts and Crafts” – West Virginia Tourism
“Mountain State artisans are known worldwide for creating unique handmade crafts and beautiful masterpieces.”
Explore West Virginia Tourism’s “Arts and Culture” Website – includes West Virginia Made Products, Museums, Theatres, and Art Galleries
“MountainMade” – “Create West Virginia” – Tucker Co.
“How MountainMade Inc. is helping West Virginians value their cultural heritage and artists to expand their markets via e-commerce.” (3:30/2009/createwv)
“Cabin Creek Quilts” – Kanawha Co
Explore “Cabin Creek Quilts” Commercial Website
An article about Cabin Creek Quilts in “Rural Cooperatives” magazine, produced by US Dept of Agriculture — Read Article PDF
“Gurkees” – Monongalia Co.
“Made in America with Positive Energy.”
“Dedication to quality, design, good intentions and integrity happens right here in America at Gurkee’s. Starting with eco-friendly vegan materials, our collections are made from soft textured carpet yarn manufactured right here in the USA. The yarn is shipped to our privately owned rope manufacturing facility here in West Virginia. Local Artisans spend their time here at Gurkee’s putting art into apparel for you. They hand craft your sandals and rope products into comfortable, fashionable and artistic products for you to enjoy.”
“Gurkee’s is a Morgantown-based company that makes handmade rope sandals and other products sold worldwide.” (5:04/2015 /Dominion-Post)
“Kreinik” – Wood Co.
“Here at Kreinik, we’re all about thread. It is a family-owned business that started in Jerry and Estelle Kreinik’s home in early 1970s. Estelle was a needleworker, who basically wanted access to more interesting threads. So they started researching, buying, then making them.
“Today Kreinik makes a variety of silk and metallic threads for needleworkers, crafters, scrapbookers, quilters, fiber artists, fly fishermen—even fashion houses—to express their creative selves. So we pretty much always have thread on the brain. It’s how we look at the world. Our manufacturing facility & customer service offices are located in the United States in Parkersburg, WV. We have a staff of creative people that are dedicated to serving you.
“Over the 30+ years that Kreinik has been in business, the company has proudly fed and nourished the crafts and creative industries. We’ve served on many industry boards, taught hundreds of classes, appeared on numerous television shows, and spun thousands of spools of thread. Some people call it string, some call it a fiber, we tend to call the thread by braids and ribbons because that’s how they are made. But any way you call them, Kreinik threads are fun embellishments that can be used anywhere to make your life more colorful and expressive. Kreinik continues to deliver on a promised commitment: offer quality, affordable products to inspire your handmade creations.”
“How the Kreinik Company Began” “Doug Kreinik talks about how his father and mother started Kreinik Manufacturing Company back in the 1970s. The thread making company started from humble beginnings, when Mr. Kreinik senior was laid off from his job. With innovation and creativity, the company is still having fun with thread all these years later. Video shot in Doug’s embellishment class at Spring Quilt Market 2009 in Pittsburgh PA.” (3:10/2009/Kreinik)
“SustainU” – “Green Shirts in Any Color” –
“SustainU® Clothing, a fully owned apparel brand of Coalfield Development (a 501(c)(3) family of social enterprises), is dedicated to the growth of American jobs, workforce development in Appalachia, and the use of sustainable materials. Our clothing production process saves millions of gallons of water and petroleum every year while reinvesting in American manufacturing and helping to rebuild the Appalachian economy from the ground up.
“As part of Coalfield Development’s Rediscover Appalachia, SustainU® Clothing designs, prints, and internationally distributes more sustainable apparel for industry leaders in sports, entertainment, and social enterprise. SustainU® Clothing is an apparel licensee of Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, and Fermata Partners, as well as the exclusive purveyor of The MLB T-Shirt Club and @Shirt Interactive Kiosk.”
“SustainU Clothing sells custom printed garments made from 100% recycled materials and made in the United States.”
(2:24/2014/WV Uncovered)
“Recycling – SustainU” (5:39/2013/pikewoodcreative)
“University Girls Apparel” – Kanawha Co.
“Launched in 2011, University Girls Apparel started as a small clothing line for West Virginia University and Marshall University. Since then, UG Apparel has expanded to over 20 schools and can be found in stores across the country.” (1:58/2013/UG Apparel)
“Imperial Bedding” – Cabell Co.
“Centrally located in Huntington West Virginia since 1969, Imperial Bedding is a well established Bedding Manufacturer, focused on providing high quality sleep products. Situated in a 110,000 square foot facility, Imperial Bedding has the production capability to produce up to 1000 units a day. Having proven ourselves in promotional and super premium markets, Imperial Bedding takes great pride in our production facility, utilizing the very finest state of the art equipment, yet keeping the craftman-like skill of hand assembly. . . Backed by our decades of experience we make a continued effort to improve the quality of every style of bedding we make.”
How It’s Made – Mattresses (5:41/2013)
“Drywall from FGD Gypsum”
Drywall is also known as plasterboard, wallboard, gypsum panel, sheet rock, or gypsum board
“An Introduction to We Energies FGD Gypsum”
We Energies provides electrical service to areas of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and natural gas and steam energy to areas of Wisconsin. (3:02/2014/We Energy)
“Certainteed” – Marshall Co.
“When you design a space every element contributes to the performance– even the drywall. Whether it’s creating healthier spaces with walls that clean the air, more restful spaces with walls that control sound, or spaces where durable walls can handle anything, we know walls matter. That’s why we engineer innovative drywall solutions that enhance occupant comfort and create better environments for working, playing, learning and healing.” Certainteed Gypsum, the leader in innovative drywall has the products to make your home, office & commercial properties healthier, quieter & more comfortable. Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, today, CertainTeed® is North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, gypsum and ceilings. A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world’s largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed and its affiliates have more than 5,700 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada.
(FGD gypsum is transported via conveyor across WV Rt 2 from the Mitchell Power Plant to the Certainteed plant for drywall production.)
“Drywall Manufacturing” (4:58/2015/BuiltToLastTV)
“Mylan” – Monongalia Co.
“Our history, our mission and our values tell the story of who we are as a company. We began as a pharmaceutical distributor, providing products to customers in smaller communities. Today we’re one of the world’s leading generic and specialty pharmaceutical companies, with sales in approximately 145 countries and territories. And our dedication to providing access to medicine continues to grow after more than 50 years.”
<<As of Mid 2021, Mylan no longer makes pharmaceuticals in Morgantown, though it still has research and other facilities in the area. It is now part of Viatris>>
“The Mylan Story” (3:06/Mylan)
“How Mylan Tablets and Capsules are Made” (8:13/2015/Mylan)
“How It’s Made – Pharmaceutical Blister Packs” (4:58/2015)
“TorsionX” – Kanawha Co.
“TorsionX tools are made in West Virginia, where we know how to work for a living!”(2:07/2013/Torsion X)
“Racer X” – Monongalia Co.
“Racer X brings you the best magazine and website in motocross and supercross.”
“We are deeply rooted in moto—we’ve been here all our lives. Back in 1998 when we turned an underground newspaper into a shiny color magazine, it immediately changed the game with its unprecedented depth of coverage, sense of humor, and access to the sport’s biggest names. Today, our readers know they can go to Racer X Online for all the news, race results, and event coverage they need, and then enjoy even more detail and perspective in the pages of Racer X Illustrated. The mag offers a chance to learn something new on every page and stay connected with the people and personalities that shape our sport—the competitors out on the racetrack, as well as the ones behind the scenes—through our exclusive deep-dive stories and columns.
“Our trademark has always been insider knowledge from the experts who are at the races and around the sport. We have long prided ourselves on our unparalleled race reporting and detailed storytelling. We go deep with the riders and teams to provide comprehensive coverage you won’t find anywhere else—all with first-class photography and design. It’s a full education in motocross past, present, and future.”
Explore “Racer X” commercial website
“QuadGraphics” – Berkeley Co.
” Best known as home to our monthly production of National Geographic, our Caperton Boulevard plant in Martinsburg was established to give Quad/Graphics gravure printing capability on the East Coast.”
“One of the most modern book printing plants in the world, the Martinsburg facility on Baker Road produces mass market and trade softcover books.” (1:25/2013/WV Commerce)
How Do They Do It? – How Books Are Made (6:11/2013)
“Macy’s Logistics and Operations” – Berkeley Co.
“The merchandise sold on our Internet sites is received at the facility, individually wrapped and prepped for future orders, then stocked. When a customer order is placed on either macys.com or bloomingdales.com, the merchandise is picked, packed and shipped – not just across the country, but around the world!” (1:42/2011/WV Commerce)
“Azimuth” – Monongalia Co.
“Azimuth Inc. designs and builds specialty computer and communications systems, much of it for defense applications in the United States and abroad. Azimuth’s work has to be able to survive shocks, vibrations and other severe conditions.” (1:29/2011/WV Commerce)
“Amazon” – Cabell Co.
(2:43/2011/WV Commerce)
WV Made / WV Grown
West Virginia Made / West Virginia Grown
Made in West Virginia / Made in WV