What We Do | Hadco

HADCO was created in 1992 as a public/private partnership. HADCO is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization with over 80% of its funding from the private sector.

We Facilitate Job Creation

The mission of the Huntington Area Development Council (HADCO) is to attract new employers to Cabell and Wayne Counties, West Virginia, to retain existing employers, and to help all employers expand their businesses. The accomplishment of this mission will enhance the area business climate, facilitate continued area growth, diversify the local economy, expand the tax base, and enhance the employment opportunities for residents, thereby improving the overall standard of living for all citizens.

West Virginia's Development Assitance

How We Do It

HADCO markets the assets of the greater Huntington area to business prospects looking to relocate or expand. Prospects are developed through targeted strategies utilizing direct sales calls, direct mail, trade shows, networking, website, and coordination with State and other economic development organizations.

Industrial Buildings and Sites

HADCO maintains listings of available business sites and buildings in the area. HADCO also develops business parks and constructs and manages available industrial buildings to accommodate business growth.

Community Information

HADCO maintains and compiles a Community Profile, which contains information frequently requested by prospects looking for area investment. Data profiled includes labor force, demographics, education, talent pool, wages, consumer spending, business and housing. Information is always tailored to a specific prospect's location.

Financial Resources and Incentives

HADCO has a relationship with area banks to finance new economic development projects. In addition, HADCO acts as a broker for State, federal and local financing, and job training loans and grants to assist new and expanding businesses.

Target Sectors

Manufacturing

Nationwide, consumers are in constant contact with products containing elements made in the mountain state. Everything from the base polymers in cosmetics and window seals to finished goods such as spark plugs, tableware, charcoal and kitchen cabinets are made in West Virginia. Pride in craftsmanship, a stellar work ethic and loyalty to employers are the hallmarks of our labor force. Our manufacturing tradition carries on today with more than six percent of the state's total employment based in manufacturing jobs. More than 48,500 West Virginians work to produce a wide variety of materials and finished products gracing homes and businesses around the world.

Metal Working

West Virginia supplies more than 1,000 regional suppliers of needed materials. The state has an abundant surface water supply and three major rivers on the nation’s inland waterway system. Our state’s workforce is made up of nearly 12,800 skilled production workers who are mostly metalworking machinery operators, machine assemblers, and metal fabricators.

The average industrial wage in West Virginia is 81% of the average wage in competing states and 77% of the national average.

Right in the heart of Huntington sits the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advance Flexible Manufacturing. RCBI offers a Machinist Technology Program, a nationally certified, hands-on, technical program that meets the standards set by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills Inc. There are more than 1,350 metalworking and machinery manufacturing companies in WV. These companies have a profit margin that averages 4.9% higher in operating costs and profitability than other competitor states.

Chemicals & Polymers

WV Ranked 10th nationally in plastic resin output per worker and second in output per custom compounding resins worker in the 2002 Economic Census, which reflects strong labor productivity.

Biotechnology

West Virginia and Huntington have the necessary components biotechnology needs to continue development and growth and remain an industry leader.

One of the nation’s highest concentrations of agricultural feedstock, chemical and pharmaceutical industries

Research hubs such as the state’s major research universities, attracting resources and collaborative partners
Governmental programs that stimulate biomedical/biotechnology research, funding and commercialization

Industry Leaders:

Alcon

Biotech start-ups:

Biotech Research Centers

Right here in Huntington, Marshall University has distinguished itself through environmental, medical, and forensic research. In 2006 the university opened the Robert C. Byrd Biotechnology Science Center that houses staff, faculty, and students from the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the College of Science. Research labs, high tech auditoriums, lecture rooms, animal quarters and more are available to the students and staff at Marshall University.

Not far from the Huntington area, The Mid-Atlantic Technology, Research and Innovation Center can be found in Charleston. Providing expertise in chemical and environmental technologies, health and life sciences and advanced engineering systems the MATRIC is another great biotechnology hub.

Business Services & Information Technology

Healthcare

With eight hospitals, a medical school, the largest private physician practice in West Virginia, and an array of highly specialized services, Tri-State residents enjoy an unparalleled level of quality healthcare in a rural environment.

Automotive Suppliers

Automotive manufacturers continue to choose WV as a destination to relocate, invest and expand their operations. WV holds a strong reputation for its incredible workforce, strong business climate, a wide variety of resources, and strategic location.

Leaders in the area: