Turkish Firm Plans $50 Million Investment in Berkeley County

During the second day of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce 87th Annual Meeting and Business Summit, Governor Jim Justice unveiled an exciting new multimillion-dollar project for Berkeley County. The project, initiated by Virginia-based Triton International Enterprises and Turkish company Klarpet, is a joint venture named Treplar, which focused on manufacturing biodegradable food wrapping within Berkeley County.

Governor Justice, along with Treplar President Murat Ogulcan, made the announcement at the outset of the second day's proceedings at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, which is owned by Governor Justice himself.

Treplar's venture in Martinsburg, Berkeley County, represents a significant investment of $50 million and is anticipated to generate up to 600 high-paying job opportunities upon its completion. The cornerstone of Treplar's efforts is the development of XPET, a proprietary biodegradable product designed to replace polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) trays.

XPET is crafted from recycled resin and boasts superior strength compared to traditional polystyrene. Additionally, it is recyclable, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible packaging solutions. Murat Ogulcan underscored Treplar's dedication to sustainability, expressing, "Our quest commenced several years ago with a fundamental question: how can we envision packaging that combines practicality with environmental responsibility? Today, we are delighted to introduce Treplar and our establishment in West Virginia. Our novel product represents a catalyst for transformation. Our food packaging trays are primed for recycling and meticulously crafted to curtail waste, in line with the escalating call for eco-friendly products."

This announcement marks the second significant economic development unveiled during the Chamber of Commerce summit. On the previous day, Governor Justice shared the news that California-based Omnis Fuel Technologies had revitalized the previously closed coal-fired Pleasants Power Plant near St. Marys, with plans to transition the plant to hydrogen-based operation.

The Eastern Panhandle has progressively transformed into a manufacturing and distribution hub in recent years. According to the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce, some of the top 10 largest employers in the area include Procter and Gamble and Macy's. In late 2022, Commercial Metals Co. disclosed plans for a $450 million micro-mill project situated in Berkeley County.

Governor Justice expressed his enthusiasm for the developments in the Eastern Panhandle and across the state, emphasizing the positive movement toward job creation, opportunities for the youth, and economic growth. He described the ongoing developments as "phenomenal beyond belief" and emphasized their transformative impact on the region's economy and future prospects.