Chemical/Polymer

West Virginia is widely recognized as the birthplace of the modern chemical and polymer industries, with these sectors thriving for generations. Located in the heart of the Appalachian Basin, the state sits atop abundant natural gas reserves, including the Marcellus and Utica Shale fields. Chemical industrial parks offer co-location and shared service benefits, such as existing permits and infrastructure. Additionally, West Virginia is home to numerous nonprofit and federal research institutions focused on materials science and chemical engineering, further strengthening its competitive edge in the global market.