W.Va. manufacturers report needing
nearly 7,000 jobs filled in next 3 years | | |
---West Virginia manufacturers say they need an additional 2,700 full-time workers over the next 12 months and nearly 7,000 over the next three years, according to a new survey conducted by the Marshall University Center for Business & Economic Research (CBER) for the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC).
---The majority of respondents indicate they expect to hire employees across a broad range of manufacturing occupations in the next year, including 1,035 production/operators, 309 laborers/logistics, 251 quality assurance and testing, 241 maintenance technicians, 224 machinists and 222 welders.
---Over the next three years, those numbers will increase to 1,686 production/operators, 470 laborers, 344 quality assurance and testing, 455 maintenance technicians, 317 machinists and 274 welders, according to the statewide survey of 83 companies conducted from August to October.
---Results show especially strong demand in the Huntington and Charleston metro regions.
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| | | - MAMC MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE | | Blenko infuses glassmaking with advanced manufacturing techniques | | |
---Milton’s renowned Blenko Glass Co. is preserving its handcrafted legacy while adopting advanced manufacturing techniques that will ensure its continued success for years to come.
---For more than 130 years, molds for many iconic Blenko pieces were hand carved from wood. ---Master Mold Maker Daniel Chapman would spend long hours sculpting each mold, guided by hand-made patterns. But when Chapman recently retired after 40-plus years of service and the apprentice training under him left the workforce because of an unrelated injury, the company faced a dilemma.
---“We lost both the trained successor and the ability to pass on decades of accumulated knowledge,” explained David Wertz, Benko’s Vice President of Manufacturing. “Since carved cherry wood molds are critical to our glassblowing process, we decided to future-proof the entire operation by investing in computer-controlled equipment and the training to go with it.”
---For that, Blenko turned to expertise at the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC).
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| | Not only has MAMC assisted Blenko in implementing new mold-making technology, but has scanned designs such as the Jack-Be-Little pumpkin (top) and the cat head stopper for the Blenkat decanter (above) then manufactured metal molds to produce them. | | Design Challenge winners recognized for creativity and innovation | | |
---For their innovative solutions to real-world problems, students from Marshall University and Cabell Midland High School took home top honors in the 2025 West Virginia Makes Festival Design Challenge. The annual event was presented the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) with financial support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
---In the adult category, Tanner Foster, a Teays Valley sophomore engineering major at Marshall University, earned first-place bragging rights and $2,500 for a self-charging wireless bicycle gear derailer; its battery charges as the rider peddles and switches gears.
---Marshall University students Colby Perry, Brian Taylor and recent graduate Austin Woodrum captured second place and $750 for designing and developing a cybersecurity Strike game in which one team creates a secure network for critical computer infrastructure around Huntington while the opposing team tries to hack the network.
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| | MAMC awarded monetary prizes totaling $4,100 to youth and adult winners of the 2025 West Virginia Makes Festival Design Challenge. | | Industry veterans join growing SMART program as instructors | | |
---As demand for industrial maintenance technicians grows across our region, the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s (MAMC) Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology (SMART) career skills program is growing as well.
---MAMC is pleased to announce the addition of three industry professionals as SMART instructors. Seth Clark of Milton, Sean Meddings of Genoa and Blayne Savage of Morehead, Ky., will teach students in Huntington and Point Pleasant as well as deliver train-the-trainer services for Apprenticeship Works,* MAMC’s National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership. Industrial maintenance technician is the most popular apprenticeship offered by the program to manufacturers nationwide.
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| | (From left) Sean Meddings, Blayne Savage and Seth Clark have joined MAMC as industrial maintenance instructors. | | - 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES | | Program offers free assistance to grow your West Virginia business | | |
---Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is looking for West Virginia business owners ready to take their venture to the next level.
---Small business owners accepted into the program will receive free practical business training, access to capital providers and personalized support to help grow their businesses and create jobs.
---To be eligible, you must be a small business owner or co-owner, have more than $75,000 in yearly revenue, have been in operation for two or more years and have at least two employees.
---Online and in-person classes for the next West Virginia cohort begin March 18 and end June 5, 2026. Applications are due Dec. 1. To learn more and apply, visit www.gs.com/10ksb-west-virginia.
| | Application deadline: Dec. 1 | | UPCOMING EVENTS & TRAINING | | |
Nov. 5: Grow Your Business With AI
Noon to 1 p.m., online
In this free workshop, artificial intelligence expert Sergii Shelpuk will present 10 real-world case studies showing how companies are using AI to automate work, improve processes and make better use of data. More information
Nov. 6: Small Business Fundamentals
10 a.m. to noon, 50 E. Benjamin Drive, New Martinsville
This free workshop will provide essential information about the things an entrepreneur needs to know to start and manage a new business successfully. Representatives from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center will discuss what you should consider before starting your business, steps to license and register your business, how to know if you are legal to operate, items to include in a business plan, required documents for financing and available options to finance your small business. More information
Nov. 8: STEM Fest at the Clay Center
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1 Clay Square, Charleston
The Clay Center presents STEM Fest, a family-friendly celebration of science, technology, engineering and math! Explore hands-on activities, exciting demonstrations and interactive exhibits from community partners across the region. More information
Nov. 12: 2025 West Virginia Energy Summit
4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Nov. 13: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center, 200 Civic Center Drive Charleston
Industry experts, innovators and leaders will gather to shape the future of energy in the Mountain State. More information
Nov. 13: The Winning Business Plan
10 a.m. to noon, 50 East Benjamin Drive, New Martinsville
Regardless of the stage of business ownership, you not only should have a business plan but
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revisit it to make sure you are on your intended path, make needed adjustments to your plan and business, and take on new endeavors that are thought out and planned for. Representatives from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center will walk you through the parts of a great business plan and what should be included in each section. More information
Nov. 19: Opportunity Unlock: Business Certification Workshop
Noon to 2 p.m., Area 34, 971 West Virginia 34, Hurricane
If you are a woman, person of color or veteran entrepreneur in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, Mason, Putnam or Wayne counties, Advantage Valley invites you to attend this free workshop to learn how business certifications can open new growth opportunities for your small business. More information
Nov. 20: Small Business Roundtable
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Huntington’s Kitchen, 911 Third Ave., Huntington
The Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce will launch its new Small Business Roundtable, a collaborative forum designed to connect, empower and support local entrepreneurs in Cabell and Wayne counties. The roundtable will offer small business owners a space to share resources, exchange ideas and find strength in community. More information
Nov. 20: Low Cost/No Cost Marketing
10 a.m. to noon, 50 East Benjamin Drive, New Martinsville
While having a big marketing budget would be ideal, not all businesses have that luxury. During this free workshop, representatives of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center will explain how to maximize advertising efforts to expand your customer reach and increase sales. More information
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