Why Mason County

Nucor, Frontieras, and AIP Corp all looked at sites across the country. They all ended up here. These are the reasons why.

Strategic Location

Within a day's drive of 50% of the U.S. population.
Within a day's drive of approximately 40% of the aerospace industry market.
Three ways to move product: Highway (US 35 to I-64, 35 miles), Ohio River barge (72 miles of navigable waterway), and CSX Class I rail.
Point Pleasant sits midway between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, with direct access to the Midwest and Northeast markets, the two largest sheet-consuming regions in the country.
Part of the Advantage Valley nine-county economic corridor, providing regional collaboration and shared resources.

West Virginia ranks 5th in the nation in total energy production.
Substations ranging from 138 to 765 kV provide some of the largest transmission power capacity in the entire country.
8 gigawatts of new dedicated power generation planned through the Monarch Compute Campus — enough to power millions of homes.
The state government actively supports energy-intensive industrial development. HB 2014, signed in 2025, created a fast-track framework for data center microgrids.
Behind-the-meter power options available. New industrial power will not increase rates for existing utility customers.

975,000 qualified workers in the labor shed within a 50-mile radius.
Mason County Career Center operates a nationally recognized Simulated Workplace model — combining professional skills (punctuality, teamwork, safety) with technical training.
Supported by WorkForce West Virginia and Workforce Development Region 4, connecting employers with talent across the region.
Some of the lowest workers' compensation rates in the entire nation.
Nucor, Frontieras, and AIP Corp all cited the ready, reliable workforce as a key factor in their site selection.

Cost of living 16-22% below the national average.
No franchise tax. No unitary combined reporting. Corporate income tax at 6.5% with a proposed cut to 3.25%.
Frontieras chose Mason County over Texas and Wyoming. "West Virginia gave us every reason to build here," said CEO Matthew McKean, citing natural resources, logistics, and a government that understands industrial growth.
Federal investment backing: $5.3 million EDA wastewater infrastructure grant supporting manufacturing growth.
Over $6 billion in active private investment and growing.

Within a single day's drive of 70%+ of America's polyethylene demand.
77% of North American polypropylene demand within a day's drive.
Decades of chemical and polymer production experience in the region.
Member of both the Chemical Alliance Zone and Polymer Alliance Zone.
Existing base of chemical manufacturers including Dow Chemical, Chemours, and ICL-IP America.