Plastic Manufacturer Brings 130 Jobs to Parkersburg

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. -- August 6, 2002 -- Gov. Bob Wise and officials from PWP Industries today announced the company’s intention to locate its newest manufacturing facility in Parkersburg, investing $10 million and creating as many as 130 jobs. “West Virginia’s strong commitment to business and solid reputation has drawn a highly respected company,” said Gov. Wise. “PWP principals previously owned a manufacturing facility in Wheeling. That prior successful experience assured company management of another profitable venture.”

PWP produces PET plastic packaging for the food industry with a full line of products and the ability to manufacture innovative designs to meet customers’ needs. The company, headquartered in Vernon, Calif., will purchase the 120,000-square-foot Parkersburg/Wood County Area Development Corp. shell building. With the addition of this facility, PWP management expects the company will become the largest producer of PET packaging for the bakery and fresh-cut produce industries in the U.S.

“I have been especially pleased with the assistance we’ve received from Gov. Wise and from local and state economic development agencies,” said Leon Farahnik, chairman of HPC Industries, the parent company of PWP. “The work force in West Virginia is outstanding, and the proximity of this new location to our customers will improve our delivery time. All the support we’ve received has made it very easy for us to locate again in West Virginia.”

Renovations on the shell building will begin immediately. Production is set to begin by early January 2003.

CONTACT:
Amy Shuler Goodwin
(304) 558-6343