Manchin pledges support to create research jobs

Gov. Joe Manchin has pledged the state's support in joining city and county governments in their financial support of the Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center as the center works to replace research jobs that The Dow Chemical Co. will cut over the next two years.

Dow Chemical announced earlier this month that it will cease most of its research operations in West Virginia, a move that will eventually result in an estimated research 150 job cuts at the South Charleston Technical Center.

Paul Arbogast, chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Technology Research and Innovation Center, known as MATRIC, has said he hopes the organization will be able to hire some of the researchers Dow is going to let go.

A prepared statement issued today by MATRIC and Manchin's office said, "Partnering with Dow Chemical as well as with local governments, the governor has agreed to help coordinate public and private sector sources that would allow MATRIC to create job opportunities for some of the scientists, engineers, technologists and professionals affected by Dow's downsizing. The goal of the combined effort is that many of those displaced through the downsizing would join the rapidly growing research efforts at MATRIC."

Keith Pauley, president and chief executive officer of MATRIC, said in the prepared statement, "MATRIC has its planning team already working on making sure it has the business to keep these high-value jobs in place.

"The team is looking at office and lab space, equipment, new customers, and a host of financing options that will enable MATRIC to keep as many former Dow employees as possible," Pauley said.