THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES SENATOR JAY ROCKEFELLER.

Washington, DC – Senator Jay Rockefeller, who was instrumental in bringing Hino Motors to West Virginia, today congratulated the company on the official grand opening of its new assembly plant in Wood County. Rockefeller hosted a dinner for Hino officials last evening in Parkersburg and was scheduled to speak at today’s event, but returned to Washington to work on the financial rescue plan.

“It was a proud day for Wood County and our entire state when Hino announced it was opening a facility here last year. Since that time, production has ramped up and approximately 1,000 trucks have rolled off the assembly line, and the hard working employees continue to impress and amaze every day,” Rockefeller said. “I congratulate Hino on today’s grand opening, and I look forward to watching its success in West Virginia for many years to come.”

Seven years ago, after Hino officials first visited West Virginia for an investment seminar, Rockefeller met with them during a trade mission to Japan. He believed that with the success Toyota was having in Putnam County, West Virginia would be a perfect partner for Hino, and he strongly encouraged them to look to the state when considering places to locate in the United States.

“West Virginians are doing some serious and incredibly impressive work through 20 Japanese companies all across our state,” Rockefeller said. “This means a boost to our economy and good, solid jobs for thousands of West Virginians – including Anthony Frontera, a Team Leader at Hino. I met this young man last March and first heard from him when he returned from his second tour in Iraq. I have to say how thankful I am that Hino was here to give him a good job when he returned home.”

“It took a lot of hard work and tenacity to make this grand opening a reality, but it was worth it – for people like Anthony, for Wood County, and for all of West Virginia. I’m incredibly thankful for Hino placing its trust in our great state,” Rockefeller said. “We won’t let them down.”