HURRICANE, W.Va. — Automotive manufacturers with operations in West Virginia met face-to-face with local suppliers at the West Virginia Automotive Supply Chain Expo. The event took place March 7 at the Valley Park Conference Center in Hurricane.

The state is home to a growing automotive sector which includes respected international corporations with operations based in West Virginia. The expo introduced manufacturers such as NGK Spark Plugs, Sogefi and Toyota to prospective suppliers based in West Virginia. It created an opportunity for attendees to learn about the requirements to become suppliers to major manufacturers. The suppliers could schedule one-on-one sessions on-site with the host companies.

“The international and national companies attending the expo are helping to spur investment and growth of West Virginia-based companies,” said Steve Spence, director of the West Virginia Development Office International Division. “The expo is an example of West Virginia continuing to diversify our economy.”

The expo was presented by the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI), Advantage Valley and the West Virginia Development Office.