RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Even as the world deals with a pandemic, local officials look to build the area’s future.
Just weeks ago, Commissioner Ron Hedrick got word that Englo Inc. is considering Raleigh County as a location for a new factory. The project is headed by business owner Tim Warden and a group of scientists working to use coal in a new way.”
“They developed a process to take coal and turn it into a fertilizer,” said Warden. “They love the fact that it’s coming to West Virginia. It brings a value and a product. They’re not just mining the coal and shipping it away, but mining the coal and turning it into a high-value product.”
The company would manufacture the patented products at the facility and ship them wherever needed.
At a briefing last month, those working on the project answered questions about various concerns, including the environmental and economic impacts.
“We’re going to build a big factory and employ several hundred people,” said Hedrick. “When you have several hundred people working in a factory, it trickles down and you’re going to have more people in the restaurants and the retail.”
Hedrick and Warden also say the scientists working on the project have conducted several studies to ensure there is no negative environmental impact by making or using a coal-based fertilizer and other coal-based products the facility would manufacture.
With WVU Tech nearby, those working with the company are eager to get students involved.
“There’s going to be some testing involved, there’s going to be some analysis involved and looking at efficiencies for the plant and that sort of thing” said Warden. “It’s a good learning experience for the students and they can put their engineer in skills to work in a process like this.”
Next week, Hedrick shows a variety of possible locations to the company. If all goes well, they will start writing for grants and Raleigh County could see the new factory in just six months.
The first factory will serve as a test run. If all goes well, the company could expand and build a larger factory in the future.
