Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today sent a letter congratulating the CEO of Mitsubishi, Seiji Izumisawa, on the acquisition of Bombardier’s regional jet program. The Bombardier service center in Bridgeport employs around 250 people. 

The letter said in part, “During my visit to the facility in August last year, I was impressed by the incredible work being done at the plant, and I am convinced that no one does this work as well as we do it in West Virginia. Aerospace is one of the fastest growing sectors of our state’s economy, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am committed to ensuring that this industry continues to grow.”

The letter continues, “These investments show that West Virginia is the perfect place to do business. West Virginians are the hardest-working people in America and, when companies and organizations like Mitsubishi come to our state, they stay and they grow. I certainly expect that to be the case with Mitsubishi’s acquisition of the Bombardier plant, which is why I would like to invite you to visit our state and tour the facility yourself. I am excited to show you just what our state can offer.”

The letter can be read below

Dear Mr. Izumisawa,

I want to personally congratulate you in your acquisition of Bombardier’s regional jet (CRJ) program, including the maintenance and support network which includes Bombardier’s service center located in Bridgeport, West Virginia.

During my visit to the facility in August last year, I was impressed by the incredible work being done at the plant, and I am convinced that no one does this work as well as we do it in West Virginia.  Aerospace is one of the fastest growing sectors of our state’s economy, and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I am committed to ensuring that this industry continues to grow. 

Higher profitability, lower labor costs, and utility savings are just some of the reasons why West Virginia’s partnership with Bombardier has been so successful, and I expect that to continue when Mitsubishi assumes ownership of the plant in Bridgeport.

Relationships like this take time and trust, and our state’s close relationship with Japan dates back decades. Since I traveled to Japan as governor in 2005, we have seen over a billion dollars in investment bringing thousands of jobs through companies like Toyota, Hino Motors, and NGK Spark Plugs, to name just a few.

Our Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Buffalo employs over 1,600 direct workers in the state, with overall investment in West Virginia totaling over $1.4 billion.

Since Hino’s launch in Williamstown, the company has grown to more than 300 employees with hundreds of millions in additional investment. NGK Spark Plugs found such success at its Sissonville location that it consolidated its manufacturing capacity in West Virginia.

These are just a few examples, but Mitsubishi is certainly no stranger to what our state can offer. Since Mitsubishi purchased Lucite International and its plant in Belle, WV more than ten years ago, hardworking West Virginians have continued to make that plant a success. 

These investments show that West Virginia is the perfect place to do business. West Virginians are the hardest-working people in America and, when companies and organizations like Mitsubishi come to our state, they stay and they grow. I certainly expect that to be the case with Mitsubishi’s acquisition of the Bombardier plant, which is why I would like to invite you to visit our state and tour the facility yourself. I am excited to show you just what our state can offer.