CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that convenience store chain Sheetz Inc. will build a $2 million distribution truck transfer station at Burr Industrial Park in Kearneysville.
When completed, the truck transfer station will employ 34 workers. That number includes the creation of 30 new jobs, primarily for truck drivers and delivery assistants. Interviews will begin in the summer of 2021 for positions starting in early 2022.
“Any day when we’re able to announce dozens of great new jobs and millions of dollars of investment coming into West Virginia is a great day,” Gov. Justice said. “For years now, Sheetz has been a wonderful partner. We’ve been happy to see them grow all across our state, and the addition of this new truck transfer station is yet another exciting example of how Sheetz and West Virginia are moving forward together with all kinds of momentum.”
This transportation depot will become just the second such facility in the company’s operations and will support Sheetz’s two distribution centers, located in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
“To the great people at Sheetz, as a business guy myself, I know what kind of commitment you’re making to our state, and I want you to know just how much West Virginia truly appreciates you,” Gov. Justice continued. “We want you to be so profitable it’s unbelievable, because your success is our success.”
The $2 million investment includes 5.5 acres in the industrial park, construction of a 1,900-square-foot building, and designated parking area for tractor/trailers hauling grocery and retail items.
The project was announced in a virtual ceremony today that included remarks from Sheetz Inc. President and COO Travis Sheetz, West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch, West Virginia Development Office Director Mitch Carmichael, West Virginia State Delegate Paul Espinosa, and Jefferson County Development Authority Director Dennis Jarvis. West Virginia State Senator Patricia Rucker also joined the ceremony virtually.
“West Virginia is a great place to operate a business, without question,” Sheetz said. “It’s a great employee base for us…it has that advantage of being close to the action – close enough for us to have those efficiencies in delivery – but it’s kind of out on its own a little bit, it’s easy to get in and out. That’s what we like and that’s certainly what our drivers like.”
“I’ve operated throughout the six states in our organization and I can say that West Virginia is just a really, really friendly and relationship-oriented place to work,” Sheetz continued. “We’re always happy to do new development in West Virginia, because we meet great people and we meet people that are looking to get things done as we are.”
Sheetz operates 614 stores throughout Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, and North Carolina. More than 1,200 individuals are currently employed by Sheetz in West Virginia.
“The new Sheetz transportation depot is another step forward for West Virginia’s economy,” Secretary Gaunch said. “Much of the credit for this success goes to the Jefferson County Development Authority. We also have the advantage of West Virginia’s prime location close to distribution hubs, supply lines and customer markets.”
Sheetz was established in 1952 as a family-owned business and remains so today. As it expanded over the years, the convenience store chain adapted to changing markets with innovations such as Sheetz coffeez, bakery goods, and quality “made-to-order” food that customers can order electronically on a touchscreen or online.
“We stand ready, willing, and able to help you in every way possible to make your continued investment in West Virginia a resounding success,” Director Carmichael said. “Your company, I think, fits perfectly with the West Virginia mentality about ensuring that we do things on a family-type basis, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to watch you expand and to help you facilitate future growth in our state.”
“On behalf of my legislative colleagues in Jefferson County and the Eastern Panhandle, we certainly want to add our congratulations to you, Travis, and your company for your transportation depot,” Delegate Espinosa said. “Over the last several years, under Governor Justice’s and Secretary Gaunch’s leadership, a big focus of our activities has been to help job creators say ‘Yes’ to West Virginia, and we certainly welcome your affirmation of your operations here in West Virginia and expanding your operations in Jefferson County.”
“Mr. Sheetz, thank you for investing in Jefferson County and investing in West Virginia,” Jarvis said. “All of us know Sheetz; it’s a cup of coffee in the morning, a burst of energy with a made-to-order sandwich and a gallon or two of gas on the way out to our workplaces…You all fit the cradle of West Virginia family-owned business, you understand our region, you understand our state, and we’re pleased to have you.”
“We are pleased that Sheetz has chosen to locate its new distribution terminal in the Burr Business Park,” said Neil McLaughlin, president of the Jefferson County Development Authority. “We welcome the 30 new jobs, their match with our mission, and the additional investment in Jefferson County.”
“I want to thank Sheetz for choosing to expand operations in Jefferson County,” said Josh Compton, president of the Jefferson County Commission. “They have been a great member of the community for years, and the new jobs that this brings will definitely benefit our residents.”
