Oct. 12 expo to connect small suppliers to large state manufacturer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         CONTACT: Mike Friel                                    
Sept. 7, 2023                                                                                 mike.friel@mfg.marshall.edu or 304.781.1686


Oct. 12 expo to connect small suppliers to large state manufacturer
Marshall University’s Advanced Manufacturing Center and Advantage Valley are presenting another in their series of Supply Chain Expos to connect small businesses to major companies while forging supply chain connections closer to home.

The October 12 virtual event from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. will feature Gestamp, an international group dedicated to the design, development and manufacture of metal automotive components. Gestamp operates a major manufacturing facility in South Charleston. Founded in 1997, the company has manufacturing operations in 24 countries and generated more than $13 billion in global sales in 2021.

Individuals interested in participating in the free expo will learn about the process for becoming a vendor and have the opportunity to share information about their capabilities and capacities. Gestamp will consider them for supplier opportunities not just in South Charleston, but for its plants globally.

“Our previous expos focusing on the aerospace, chemical, polymer, steel and healthcare industries resulted in numerous contracts for state small businesses, some quite lucrative,” said Derek Scarbro, MAMC director. “Our successful business-to-business events also have helped major companies shorten their supply chains, creating a win-win situation for everyone by keeping West Virginia dollars in state.”
Gestamp’s purchasing needs include the following types of goods and services:

• Industrial Maintenance
• Building Repair Services
• General Construction
• Packaging Materials
• Industrial Gasses/Chemicals
• Fuel
• Industrial Chillers/Maintenance
• Cranes
• IT Services
• Physical Exams
• Recycling Services
• Security Services
• Electric/ Mechanical Parts Repair
• Pest Control
• Water Treatment/Chemicals
• Canteen Services
• Safety Systems
• First Aid Supplies
• Janitorial Services
• Lab Calibration Services
• Signage and Printing (indoor and outdoor)
• Steel and Heat Treatment

“As you can see from the list, Gestamp contracts for an array of goods and services” Scarbro said. “If you’re a small business operator anywhere in West Virginia capable of providing any of these things, make sure to sign up and participate in our event. Not only is this a great opportunity for Gestamp to identify suppliers closer to its West Virginia facility, it’s an opportunity for Mountain State small businesses to expand their customer base.”

Register for the virtual expo at www.mfg.marshall.edu/gestampexpo23. For more information, contact MAMC’s James Westbrook at james.westbrook@mfg.marshall.edu or 304-720-7740.