Initiating Growth
Manufacturers are a critical engine for economic develop-
ment and prosperity, stimulating innovation and generating
high-paying jobs. According to Dr. Ednilson Bernardes, associ-
ate professor of global supply chain management at the WVU
College of Business and Economics, combining supply chain
expertise with a burgeoning manufacturing sector can make
West Virginia even more attractive to the global marketplace.
“In recent decades, manufacturers have generally shifted
from in-house production to more distributed production in
networks of suppliers,” says Bernardes. “For any given large
manufacturer, there is a dense network of suppliers—typical-
ly smaller manufacturers—supporting the process of taking a
product from concept to market.”
For example, Aurora Flight Sciences in Bridgeport, WV, is
one of many smaller suppliers providing high-value-added com-
posite airframe parts to aerospace manufacturer Bell Helicop-
ters for its new high-capacity commercial craft. Aurora Flight
Sciences has its own network of suppliers, smaller and larger,
both inside and outside the state.
In West Virginia, the average salary in manufacturing is ap-
proximately 20 percent higher than the overall average salary in
the state. The new Procter & Gamble (P&G) facility in Tabler
Station near Martinsburg, WV, illustrates the impact that man-
ufacturing can have on the economic prosperity of the state.
It looks to eventually fill 700 new, full-time positions and will
stimulate local entrepreneurship activity through the creation
of small businesses, an indirect effect of the new plant.
Bernardes, whose current research interest addresses innova-
tion, coordination and competitive dynamics on supply network
systems, says, “The P&G facility will be able to supply products
to 80 percent of the East Coast within one day, which will bring
supply chain development and innovation to the region. P&G
investment in the state also signals to other manufacturers that
West Virginia is competitively positioned to become part of
their value chain network.”
Invigorating the Workforce
Today’s advanced manufacturing sector is now highly techni-
cal, innovative and networked, employing workers at all skill and
educational levels because of increasing manufacturing and supply
chain demands. This is of great benefit to West Virginia, as it in-
vigorates the workforce and presents tremendous new job oppor-
tunities for college graduates, slowing the out-migration of young
people from the state.
Manufacturing and supply chain and logistics management are
also major factors in one of the most important and fastest growing
industries in West Virginia: health care. West Virginia health care
conditions reflect, to a great extent, those of the national landscape.
Deficiencies in providing access to primary care and inefficiencies
in the overall health care system can be detrimental to broader
regional development. Thus, an efficient health care system can
support a strong and competitive manufacturing system.
“In health care delivery, a well-designed and managed supply
chain and logistics will ensure health care facilities have available
the right items in the right quantities with the highest standards
of quality whenever and wherever needed while simultaneously
Congratulations,
Joe Eddy,
President and
CEO of Eagle
Manufacturing, on
being inducted into
the Sharp Shooters
Class of 2017!
Plumbing • Heating • Cooling
(304) 744-3221 • www.mullenplumbing.com
We offer 24 hour emergency services!
We’re proud of you!
For all your plumbing needs … and more.
EAGLE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
2400 Charles Street • Wellsburg, WV 26070
(304) 737-3171 • www.eagle-mfg.com
60
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE
Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has been servicing
the Kanawha Valley since 1950. Trusted as a leader in our area,
let us assist with your plumbing and HVAC projects. We offer
repair, replacement and installation services for both residential
and commercial applications, including full kitchen and bath
remodels. 24-hour emergency services are always available
to ensure your needs are met in any circumstances. We pride
ourselves on providing the best customer service—PERIOD.