| Offices : Beckley • Charleston • Fairmont • Martinsburg • Washington, DC | E-mail Senator Rockefeller |
April 12, 2001
ROCKEFELLER ANNOUNCES OXYGEN SENSOR MANUFACTURER NGK TO MOVE SPARK PLUG LINE TO WEST VIRGINIA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) announced today that the auto parts manufacturer NGK will be moving a portion of their spark plug business to West Virginia. NGK, which is located in Pocatalico, will open one spark plug line early this summer, with additional expansions over the next few years. The spark plug line will be in addition to the oxygen sensors the plant currently manufactures.
"I am so proud that NGK has again chosen to expand their West Virginia facility this time by including a spark plug manufacturing line. NGK has been a dedicated partner for West Virginia, helping to foster economic development both through the expansion of their facility and as an example for other Japanese investors," Rockefeller said. "I believe that this new sparkplug line reaffirms NGK’s dedication to a longstanding and beneficial partnership with West Virginia."
NGK will receive the automated spark plug assembly machine in August 2001. The installation will begin in September and extend through the end of the year. The equipment will be housed in NGK ’s existing facility and will include auxiliary and test equipment.
NGK President, Toshio Hattori commented, "This expansion is a further comment on the commitment of NGK to both our employees in West Virginia and to the state itself. We are very pleased with the success of our West Virginia operation and with the continued support of Senator Rockefeller as well as state and local officials. We look forward to continued growth."
The facility capacity will be about 350,000 pieces a month and will assist its California sister company in serving North American requirements. The initial line will create 10 new jobs.
Ken Minoha, Plant Manager, underscored the company’s commitment to growth by adding " We are pleased to be able to provide additional opportunities for our associates even in this difficult period for automotive manufacturers. Our prior success has made this expansion possible and that success is a direct result of the quality of our workforce.
Since they opened in 1995, this is NGK’s third major expansion. They currently employ 275 people.
E-mail Senator Rockefeller | Click here for more contact information.