An editorial from The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — It’s said that good things come to those who wait.
Anyone involved with the expansion plans for Bombardier’s West Virginia Air Center in Bridgeport is thankful that saying usually proves true.
At least five years in the making, the Canadian company made its plans officially known on Tuesday, touting the local plant’s successes as reasons to double its size and capacity.
“It will enable us to grow all parts of our business,” Young said, adding it will make the plant more effective and efficient, with faster turnaround times.
The facility will grow from one hangar to three and increase man hours from 500,000 to 1 million. The plant will go from nine lines of service to 20, Young said.
“We’re excited with this growth plan for WVAC, as it confirms our commitment and ability to continue to deliver on the comprehensive service solutions that our customers have come to expect from us. In addition to serving our operators with improved turnaround times and enhanced service solutions, we are also pleased to be collaborating with the state of West Virginia on this project,” Young said.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin praised Bombardier officials for believing in West Virginia and working through any obstacles on the path to this major expansion.
“From my first days as West Virginia’s governor, I’ve made it my priority to bring new investments and jobs to our state,” Tomblin said. “Today’s expansion announcement by Bombardier represents continued momentum toward a stronger, more diversified state economy. I thank and congratulate Bombardier, its leadership team and employees on this milestone. And I look forward to seeing the far-reaching impact of new jobs in North Central West Virginia.”
Harrison Commissioner Ron Watson also told The Exponent Telegram that the platitudes should deservingly go to Bombardier for the multimillion-dollar investment and willingness to work toward this goal.
“The applause goes to Bombardier’s management and leadership,” Watson said. “It’s been a long journey. They are the ones that have been instrumental in making this happen.”
Along with the company’s commitment, local officials like Watson and his other fellow commissioners over the years like the late Chunki Angotti, Bernie Fazzini and Joe Minard also deserve praise, as well as former commissioner and now state Senator Mike Romano, who Watson called tenacious “in his approach with Charleston.”
Tomblin and state development officials also deserve praise, because a venture this big doesn’t happen without strong support on the state level.
And make no mistake. This is big news for the region, Watson said.
Tomblin said about 150 jobs will be created; Watson said it could grow to be even more, tossing out the numbers 200 to 300.
“It will have a heck of an impact on the local economy,” Watson said. “Not just in Harrison, but in the 17 counties that we consider to be served by the North Central West Virginia Airport complex.”
We applaud Bombardier’s management and employees for being great corporate citizens and for investing in NCWV, as well as all state and local officials who have played a role in this tremendous news.
Thanks to their efforts, the future of the region looks brighter today.