Global engineering company Sandvik and Alpha Metallurgical Resources formed a joint venture to establish a new manufacturing operation in West Virginia through a $25 million investment expected to create at least 120 new jobs.
The project, which will support Sandvik's Ground Support business in the U.S. market, includes the development of a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will produce rock bolts and resin capsules, with potential for future expansion into additional product lines.
"Re-entering the U.S. ground support market with a local manufacturing presence will allow our Ground Support business to strengthen customer relationships, shorten lead times and build a scalable platform for long-term growth in North America," Sandvik Mining President Mats Eriksson said.
Sandvik will hold a 51% stake in the joint venture, while Alpha will own 49%. The agreement includes a long-term exclusive supply agreement with Alpha, and the venture will sell ground support products to other U.S. customers.
"Creating this joint venture with Sandvik is a step in securing our supply chain by manufacturing more of our mining materials here in Central Appalachia," Alpha Metallurgical Resources CEO Andy Eidson said.
The companies expect the investment to strengthen West Virginia’s role in industrial manufacturing tied to the energy and natural resources sectors.
West Virginia Economic Development reported that the state has secured over $12 million in combined public and private investment since October, supporting energy infrastructure and growth across manufacturing, data centers and other industrial sectors.
