AT a time when the automotive industry is suffering a downturn, Williamstown, W.Va., is seeing the "Now Hiring" sign at Hino Motors.

The Japanese commercial truck manufacturer opened late last year with just 80 employees.

Another 30 people will be hired soon, said Joe Chronley, general manager of the plant in Wood County.

The company hopes to increase truck production from 30 a week to 100 by the end of September.

The Williamstown plant, the state's first vehicle assembly plant, is not as large as the Toyota plant in Buffalo, but given the facility's location on the Ohio River and its access to railroad lines and Interstate 77, it has plenty of potential.

The whole state does. It can compete.

AT a time when the automotive industry is suffering a downturn, Williamstown, W.Va., is seeing the "Now Hiring" sign at Hino Motors.

The Japanese commercial truck manufacturer opened late last year with just 80 employees.

Another 30 people will be hired soon, said Joe Chronley, general manager of the plant in Wood County.

The company hopes to increase truck production from 30 a week to 100 by the end of September.

The Williamstown plant, the state's first vehicle assembly plant, is not as large as the Toyota plant in Buffalo, but given the facility's location on the Ohio River and its access to railroad lines and Interstate 77, it has plenty of potential.

The whole state does. It can compete.