2024 Impact Report

• $37.4M Total Increased or Retained Sales
• $11.6M New Client Investments
• $2.5M Cost Savings & Unnecessary Investments
• 599 Jobs Created or Retained
• $51.5M 2024 total dollar impact in West Virginia

2024 was a year that WVU's Industrial Extension focused on disrUPtion. We looked internally to drive continuous improvement in our own operations. We cannot expect our clients to embrace necessary change if we don't use the same approach to operations.

By disrUPting our normal course of business, we applied better ways to do our business so that we could provide the best services to our West Virginia manufacturers. We embraced these disrUPtions to drive our efficiencies and levels of service UP.

We are proud to present this impact report that captures the key achievements of our clients and our operations in 2024. It illustrates the strong foundation we have built to create new opportunities, solve emerging challenges, and promote a resilient American manufacturing supply chain.

As we look to 2025, we plan to Reimagine Manufacturing, focusing on the critical guidance and services requested by and needed from our small but mighty manufacturing base.

WVU's Industrial Extension stands ready to lead West Virginia's manufacturers into a dynamic and promising future.

Let's go.

Staci P. Miller, Director

WVU Industrial Extension

As a proud member of the MEP National Network, the WVU Industrial Extension is part of a system of 51 centers across the United States dedicated to supporting small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

This partnership connects West Virginia manufacturers to unmatched expertise, innovative tools, and advanced technologies tailored to address manufacturing challenges. It fosters collaborative learning, enabling manufacturers to share best practices and strategies with peers nationwide.

With all 50 states and Puerto Rico working in alignment, the national network is helping to enable U.S. manufacturers to connect with other U.S. manufacturers to expand the domestic supply chain as we reignite manufacturing in America.

Since 2020, WVU Industrial Extension has enabled West Virginia's manufacturers to realize more than $377.7 million in top and bottom-line value.

• $284.2 Million: Total Increased or Retained Sales
• $76 Million: New Client Investments
• $17.5 Million: Cost Savings Unnecessary Investments
• 2,565 Jobs Created or Retained

Client Satisfaction Rate

• West Virginia: 92%
• National Average: 88%

West Virginia manufacturers rely on the WVU Industrial Extension for tailored, high-impact solutions that drive success. With a 92% satisfaction rate—exceeding the national average of 88%—we are the trusted resource for supporting the state’s manufacturing sector.

Our expert staff brings decades of industry experience, delivering affordable, high-quality solutions designed to address the unique challenges manufacturers face.

With a proven track record, the WVU Industrial Extension remains a reliable partner, helping manufacturers grow, innovate, and unlock their potential.

Clients Surveyed: Top Reasons Why Clients Chose WVU Industrial Extension

• Staff Expertise: 67%
• Cost: 33%
• Industry Knowledge: 31%
• Reputation: 25%

Proposal Conversion Rate: 72%

Miles Traveled: 107,179

In 2024, the WVU Industrial Extension team went the extra mile, literally, traveling an incredible 107,179 miles to deliver on-site, customized training solutions to 2,890 West Virginians.

Our commitment to strengthening West Virginia's workforce didn't stop there. We extended our reach to 864 additional clients and resource partners through engaging online and in-person workforce development training events.

Despite having a small, eight-person staff, we delivered project work in 40 of West Virginia's 55 counties. Our impact was felt far and wide, empowering manufacturers by finding solutions to problems, addressing their strained workforce needs, and building a brighter future for the Mountain State.

In 2024, in alignment with West Virginia University's land grant mission, the Industrial Extension dedicated 149 staff hours to 28 projects resulting in $16,390 of donated services.

This effort highlights our unwavering commitment to supporting West Virginia manufacturers and fostering growth within the state’s manufacturing industry.

• Staff Hours Donated: 149
• Complimentary Projects: 28
• In-Kind Contribution: $16, 390

The mission for our team is personal and unwavering. We live and work in the communities that we serve and it's an honor for us to build our workforce, grow our businesses, and develop manufacturing state-wide.

Making an Impression... 223,000 of them!

In 2024, the WVU Industrial Extension reached a wide audience, recording 223,000 marketing impressions across West Virginia and beyond.

Through compelling stories and impactful messaging, we showcased the achievements of West Virginia manufacturers, highlighting their innovation and success on both local and global stages.

Our staff is required to invest time maintaining critical certifications, advancing knowledge in the newest manufacturing technologies, and building expertise where clients need support. In 2024, the WVU Industrial Extension dedicated 500.10 hours to product development, leading to 2,317.75 hours of project delivery and training for almost 3,000 employees.

The Work

• Hours of Product Delivery: 2,318
• Hours of Product Development: 500
• Employees Who Received Training: 2,890
• Engagements Delivered: 133

The Results:

• Total Increased or Retained Sales: $37.4M
• New Client Investments: $11.6M
• Cost Savings and Unnecessary Investments: $2.5M
• Jobs Created or Retained: 599

Clients Surveyed: Top 5 Strategic Challenges Facing WV Manufacturers

• Ongoing continuous improvement/cost reduction strategies
• Employee recruitment and retention
• Identifying growth opportunities
• Product innovation/development
• Managing partners and suppliers

In 2024, the WVU Industrial Extension team collaborated closely with manufacturers statewide, dedicating 2,818 hours to developing and delivering 133 customized projects designed to meet their unique needs and drive meaningful results.

• Continuous Improvement and Energy: Enhanced production efficiencies, reduced operational costs, and promoted environmental sustainability with 46 projects and 694 staff hours.
• Industrial Hygiene and Health and Safety: Strengthened regulatory compliance, promoted healthier work environments, and educated the workforce with 881 project hours and 47 projects.
• Process Improvement and Management Systems: Established procedures and related documentation, trained internal auditors, and promoted data-driven management decisions with 27 projects and 848 hours of consulting support.
• Workforce Development and Leadership: Delivered client-specific leadership training, assessed workplace culture, and provided strategic business direction on 13 projects with 395 hours of expert guidance.

WVUIE drives impactful results through CI and energy assessment services, helping manufacturers streamline operations boosting productivity, standardize processes creating consistency, and evaluate opportunities promoting energy efficiency.

Over the past year, we trained 453 West Virginians on 36 CI projects and facilitated more than 10 energy assessments in partnership with our Industrial Assessment Center and Pollution Prevention (P2) Program.

Additionally, we connected clients to more than $1 million in grant funding to support these initiatives, empowering manufacturers to implement innovative, long-term solutions.

• 453 Employees Trained in CI & Energy Optimization Principles
• 36 CI Projects Completed
• 10+ Energy Assessments Facilitated
• $1M+ In Grant Funds Awarded

Key Energy Partners:

• WVU Industrial Assessment Center (IAC)
• Pollution Prevention (P2) Program
• Clean Energy Manufacturing in Appalachia
• WV Grant Resource Center

Client Testimonial

“We are extremely pleased with the assessment conducted.

The report we received was extremely thorough and provided a lot of detailed information that allowed us to better understand our energy use and develop a plan for how to reduce our usage through their recommendations.”

-Greg Mason, Automated Merchandising Services

Building client-specific quality management systems is a core service of WVU Industrial Extension, helping manufacturers enter new markets, enhance employee morale through advanced training, and improve operations through structured internal audits.

In the past year, we completed 27 process improvement and management system engagements, including 61 ISO 9001 internal audits for nine clients.

Many of our clients operate with small teams that lack the workforce or expertise to conduct required internal audits. By providing this service, we ensure objective evaluations, help clients meet competency requirements, and identify real-time improvement opportunities to strengthen their quality management systems.

• $29.6M Total Dollar Impact
• 61 ISO 9001 Internal Audits
• 36 Employees Trained
• 27 Projects Completed

Grant Assistance

$20K in Shale POWER + ARISE Grants awarded to help fund projects at Marsh Bellofram.

Client Testimonial

“We are very pleased with the opportunities that working with the WVU Industrial Extension has afforded us.

Their assistance has allowed us to look deep into our processes several times in the past and defray costs for projects that we needed help justifying the spend. Their responsiveness and guidance are top-notch, and I look forward to working with them again in the future.”

- Dan Williams, Marsh Bellofram

Worker health and safety is key to a thriving manufacturing sector, and West Virginians are committed to compliance and worker well-being.

To meet growing demand, we expanded our health and safety services in 2024, dedicating an expert for industrial hygiene assessments, including air and noise exposure evaluations, with 16 projects completed.

We also have a compliance expert dedicated to training, program development, risk assessments, and safety culture improvements, with 966 employees trained.

• Employees Trained: 966
• Health and Safety Projects Completed: 31
• Industrial Hygiene Projects Completed: 16
• Forklifts Named After WVUIE Trainer*: 1

Client Testimonial:

“Our team at Azimuth was extremely impressed with the trainers at WVU Industrial Extension and have already made enhancements to our safety program based on recommendations for our material handling equipment.

The training was informative but also so enjoyable that I altered my own busy schedule to participate in the full course.

We name our equipment at Azimuth and after this training event, our team decided to name our newest piece of equipment after our WVUIE trainer!”

- Craig W. Hartzell, Azimuth Incorporated

Workforce Development and Leadership

Education services expanded significantly in 2024, with rising demand for transformative training. To support this growth, our team invested 242 product development hours in creating nine new leadership services.

Through 11 customized projects, we trained 1,435 employees, equipping them with the skills and leadership tools to excel and drive change.

Partnering with clients, we continue to address emerging challenges, develop tailored solutions, empower high-potential employees, strengthen succession planning, and enhance talent retention to minimize workforce gaps.

• Employees Trained: 1,435
• Development Hours: 242
• Projects Completed: 11
• New Products Developed: 9

Client Testimonial

“The WVU Industrial Extension is a very important partner to STOCKMEIER.

They have become deeply familiar with our company’s vision and values, our processes, and most importantly our people. This familiarity made them the ideal choice for facilitating training during an event that is so important to the company.

We were very pleased with the results and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Industrial Extension.”

- Melissa Martinkat, STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA, Inc.

In 2024, we partnered with industry-leading experts to provide practical training on building diverse supply chains. Through webinars, roundtables, and panel discussions, we equipped manufacturers with tools to strengthen processes and expand into new markets.

Working with the national network, we connected domestic supply chain needs with West Virginia suppliers and facilitated requests for critical products to support onshoring efforts. These connections occurred daily, sometimes hourly, and remain a key focus in 2025.

Impact

• Supported 31 manufacturers in identifying 17 new opportunities that translated to 4 new business leads through the Supply Chain Optimization and Intelligence Network.
• More than 100 individuals participated in an in-depth supply chain learning series.

Improving Supply Chain by Leveraging the Power of a National Network

“Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to supporting our supply chain and your commitment to West Virginia manufacturing workers. I look forward to seeing your partnerships continue to grow and hope for more success."

- United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito

In 2024, the WVU Industrial Extension’s events attracted more than 850 participants from West Virginia’s manufacturing sector—a 45% increase from the previous year and an impressive 166% growth compared to 2022.

In addition to our WV Manufacturing Conference, key events included:

• 10 cybersecurity webinars
• Five webinars and two in-person events on supply chain optimization
• A special session with NASA, showcasing how WV manufacturers can leverage them as a regional resource
• Regional roundtables, connecting manufacturers and resource partners to address industry challenges and opportunities
• Guest speaker engagements at national and statewide events, sharing insights to support manufacturing growth

• 864 Event Attendees
• 28 Events Hosted
• 45% Attendance Increase from 2023
• 166% Attendance Increase from 2022

Staying Connected ... 1,784 times!

In 2024, the WVU Industrial Extension stayed engaged with West Virginia’s manufacturing community through 1,784 interactions, including:

• Phone and video calls
• Face-to-face meetings
• Text messages and emails

We use every communication method our clients prefer to stay actively engaged and respond as quickly as possible.

This year's sold-out Manufacturing Conference exceeded 2023 participation, bringing together manufacturers, economic developers, policymakers, and industry experts for a full day of education, networking, and roundtable discussions—all aimed at driving growth in West Virginia’s manufacturing sector.

The evening before the conference, a networking reception showcased WV manufacturers in action, featuring live glassblowing by Blenko Glass and a special tasting with Smooth Ambler and Holl’s Chocolates. These makers shared their expertise and processes, fostering collaboration within the industry.

Impact

• 135 Conference Attendees
• 61 Resource Partners
• 29 Unique Manufacturers
• 18 Expert Speakers
• 12 Resource Exhibitors
• 7 Focused Panels
• 3 Engaging Breakout Sessions

96% of conference attendees rated the event as excellent.

As part of our 2024 Manufacturing Day initiatives, we partnered to provide WVU engineering and business students with exclusive access to some of the Eastern Panhandle’s leading manufacturers, including:

• ROCKWOOL North America
• The Clorox Company
• Procter and Gamble
• Chem-Pak, Inc.

With extensive support from WVU, the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, and Jefferson and Berkeley counties Development Authorities, the students had the opportunity to see manufacturing in action, engage with and learn from production experts, and anticipate their future careers right here in West Virginia.

Resource Partner Quote

"Manufacturers in the Eastern Panhandle are leading the way in keeping West Virginia talent home by showcasing the incredible opportunities available in the Mountain State."

- Jim Linsenmeyer, WV Department of Economic Development

Manufacturing Day wouldn’t be complete without our annual Student Design Challenge, held in partnership with Blenko Glass Company. Now in its third year, this initiative connects students with manufacturing careers through hands-on experience.

This year, 150+ students submitted suncatcher designs, evaluated by Blenko artisans. Scarlett Ward of West Teays Elementary was selected as the winner for her rocket-themed suncatcher, To The Stars, which was brought to life and made available for sale. She gained hands-on experience in design, production, packaging, and marketing.

This challenge reinforces our commitment to inspiring young talent and showcasing the opportunities in West Virginia’s manufacturing sector.

Partner Testimonial

“It's thrilling to see these young artists bring their creativity to life through the molten magic of glass. We are thankful for this opportunity and for partners like WVU's Industrial Extension for helping us ensure that the future of glass blowing remains as vibrant and dynamic as its storied past."

-Dave Wertz, Blenko Glass Company

In partnership with the WV Department of Economic Development, we engaged directly with 80 juniors and seniors from John Marshall and Cameron High Schools in Marshall County. The day featured an interactive workshop on process-based thinking, where students applied problem-solving strategies to tackle real-world manufacturing challenges. A comprehensive leadership development discussion further equipped them with practical insights and skills to prepare for success beyond graduation.

Through this experience, students had the opportunity to:

• Develop industry skills
• Enhance career readiness
• Connect education to career pathways
• Build professional networks
• Increase confidence and self-efficacy

Student | Teacher Testimonials:

“I think it put into perspective that we need to think before we start saying things as leaders, it was a real eye-opener.”
- JJ Brown, John Marshall High School Student

“These are lessons they (students) can carry with them the rest of their lives.”
- Jared Ulrich, John Marshall High School Automotive Tech Instructor

Our success is measured by the success of our clients. While we provide training, consulting, mentorship, and guidance, true progress happens when they apply what they’ve learned. It’s our privilege to share just a few of the many achievements our clients have reached in 2024.

Marsh Bellofram

• Realized $200,000 in savings
• Automated manual processes, saving 3–4 production hours daily and reallocating resources to higher-value operations.

Automated Merchandising Systems (AMS)

• Identified opportunities for a 24% reduction in energy consumption.
• Projected annual savings of up to $20,000.

STOCKMEIER Urethanes, USA

• Saved over $30,000 by working with the WVU Industrial Extension instead of a private consultant.
• Upskilled 60 employees through targeted training.

SAL Chemical Company:

• Increased efficiency by 15% through process mapping.
• Generated $10,000 in new investments.

Client Testimonial

“The WVU Industrial Extension has been a very valuable resource, and partner, to SAL Chemical Company in so many different aspects of our business.

Helping us to understand and learn how to use process mapping was no exception to this. We live in these processes daily and now realize how easy it can be to overlook the simplest improvements that yield large impacts.”

- Jason Mattern, SAL Chemical

“Here at DALB, our vision is to move forward each day, working to grow the successes we’ve experienced over the last 43 years. In 2024, with guidance and support from the WVU Industrial Extension team, we invested both time and money into a transformational project. Our goal was not to change our culture, but to adapt and enhance our culture to better align performance to goals.

In addition to launching a continuous improvement effort, we wanted to ensure that our leadership team and upcoming leaders had the tools they needed to succeed. We worked with WVUIE to assess the leadership styles of our team and discussed talent retention and growth opportunities. We also aligned goals and objectives, so our employees’ focus remained committed to the company’s mission. Many successes have already been achieved within the group, and we plan to continue our journey in the coming year."

- Kevin Steeley, DALB, Inc.

Transformational Client

A West Virginia transformational client is a small or medium-sized manufacturing company that partners with WVU Industrial Extension to achieve significant, lasting improvements.

These businesses actively engage in our services to drive major advancements in technology adoption, process optimization, or business strategy-resulting in substantial growth and a stronger competitive edge within their industry.

Our experts promote safe practices, drive operational excellence, standardize processes, and prepare future leaders to propel West Virginia’s manufacturing into a thriving, competitive future.

We’re also passionate about sharing the story of West Virginia manufacturing, showcasing its ingenuity and resilience to inspire collaboration, attract investment, and position the state as a leader in the industry.

Together, we’re building a foundation for sustainable growth, ensuring West Virginia manufacturing thrives locally and gains global recognition.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Advisory Board for their guidance, expertise, and unwavering support.

Their leadership and dedication play a vital role in shaping our vision and driving the success of West Virginia’s manufacturing sector.

Thank you for being an integral part of our mission!

• Charlie Burd, Gas and Oil Association of WV (Go WV)
• Heather Cyphert, Progressive Industries
• Mr. Luke Diserio, American Muscle Docks and Fabrication LLC
• Paul Lauttamus, Lauttamus Communications and Security
• Melissa Martinkat, STOCKMEIER Urethanes USA, Inc.
• Mr. Greg Mason, Automated Merchandising Systems
• Dave Pancake, S. J. Morse Company
• Dolph Santorine, Monoceros Ventures, LLC
• David Satterfield, West Virginia University
• Justin Skeens, Brake Supply Company

MOUNTAINEERS

GO FIRST.

Azimuth forklift named after WVUIE trainer, Shayna.

The WVU Industrial Extension is proud to support West Virginia manufacturers in achieving growth, innovation, and sustainability. This year’s results reflect the resilience of our manufacturing community, the dedication of our team, and the strength of our partnerships.

We remain committed to driving efficiency, fostering innovation, and strengthening our state’s economy. Thank you to our partners and stakeholders for your trust and collaboration. Together, we are building a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia.