The Year is Underway. Here we go!

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:01:43 GMT

WHO IS THIS SMALL BUSINESS IN WEST VIRGINIA SHIPPING TO 37 COUNTRIES ACROSS THE WORLD.

We are a designer and manufacturer of safety sight glasses, viewport assemblies, sight flow indicators, spray rings, sight lights and sight glass replacements for observing processes in industrial pressure vessels and pipelines. Cyclops sight glass provides maximum safety under high pressure, high temperature, corrosive and volatile processing operations. They can withstand a wide thermal shock range and are capable of resisting blow out or rupture. In most applications no packings, compression rings or screws are involved, eliminating costly continuous maintenance. With uncomplicated installation, safety sight glasses use only ASME approved materials and tolerances.

During the late 40's, early 50's several localized plant explosions were experienced by a major chemical facility were directly attributed to the failure of conventional or sandwich type sight glasses. As a result, an engineer, my grandfather, Gene LeRoy was given the task of developing a sight glass that when broken, would maintain its integrity and not rupture or blow out, even while under extreme pressure at high temperature. After much trial and error, he hit upon the idea of peripherally sealing the lens assembly instead of vertically clamping and sealing the sight glass against the top and bottom lens gaskets.

With a grateful heart, I became the President & Owner in 1999.

I have certainly learned a lot along the way.

Our company has relationships and customers all over the world. Thank you. Over the last 22 years, we have reinvented ourselves by reaching out to area professionals in business, manufacturing, marketing, branding, and networking. And I feel confident we have positioned our company for 2023 and beyond. Especially after our award-winning year in 2022.

We have set our ‘sights’ high for this year.

Thank you,

Kim Mack,

President

800-292-9011

What are Sight Glasses?

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 22:12:08 GMT

And Why are They So Important

Sight glasses are a type of window or transparent panel installed in a piping system or vessel that allows the user to visually inspect the flow or contents of the system. They are commonly used in manufacturing plants to monitor the flow or level of liquids or gases in the system, and to ensure that the process is operating efficiently and safely.

There are several benefits to using sight glasses in a manufacturing plant:

Monitoring flow and level: Sight glasses allow operators to easily monitor the flow and level of liquids or gases in the system, which can be useful for identifying blockages, leaks, or other issues that may disrupt the manufacturing process.

Detecting changes in the process: Sight glasses can also help operators detect changes in the color, clarity, or other characteristics of the liquid or gas flowing through the system, which can be an indication of a problem or malfunction in the process.

Enhancing safety: By allowing operators to visually inspect the contents of a piping system or vessel, sight glasses can help prevent accidents or injuries caused by overfilling, leaks, or other hazards.

Improving efficiency: By enabling operators to quickly and easily identify and resolve issues in the manufacturing process, sight glasses can help improve the efficiency and productivity of the plant.

Overall, sight glasses are an important tool for maintaining and improving the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of a manufacturing plant.

We have been manufacturing these for 64 years. And we ship to 37 different countries. We know this business!

Call us to learn more or place your order.

800-292-9011.

Small Communities Big Solutions Conference

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 02:10:53 GMT

Coming to University of Charleston in November

Each year, the Alliance for Economic Development of Southern West Virginia, the West Virginia Community Development Hub and Coalfield Development team up to shine a spotlight on West Virginia, by hosting the Small Communities, BIG Solutions Conference.

This event showcases all the successes and highlights what is working across the state. Each year a mix of community leaders, educators, businesses and public officials come together to network, share ideas and learn what is working well in our state.

With a sold-out crowd each year and overwhelmingly positive feedback from our attendees, we are excited to celebrate the fifth-year anniversary of the Small Communities, BIG Solutions Conference back in-person! Learn more about SCBS here.

Learn more about the history here.

Tickets here.

RCBI Assists Cyclops Industries in Achieving International Quality Certification

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:10:01 GMT

Cyclops Industries Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Cyclops Industries of South Charleston has been manufacturing quality for 63 years. The family-owned business’s industrial sight glasses provide a window through which processes that are under extremely high temperatures and/or high pressure can be monitored safely.

The patented devices are sold across the country and exported to customers in 39 countries around the world, with Chile just recently joining the growing league of nations. They’re found along pipelines, at chemical facilities, in industrial plants, even on the U.S. military’s fleet of nuclear submarines.

Manufactured to avert catastrophic failures, the sight glasses were developed by Cyclops President Kim Mack’s grandfather, a former Union Carbide employee who witnessed sight glass blowouts that not only led to costly material loss, but employee injuries caused by flying glass, spewing chemicals and scalding liquids.

“Though he wasn’t formally trained, my grandfather was an engineer in all respects,” Mack said. “He patented what we call the three-piece system. We base all of the pressure on the first piece of glass, so if something happens that the first piece of glass would ever fail, there are two behind them to keep people safe.”

Cyclops products have not only withstood pressure, but the test of time. Their quality keeps customers coming back. “When you give them good service, the product sells itself,” Mack said. “We’ve been doing it for 60-some years.”

Still, Mack decided in 2021 to pursue the official seal of quality for manufacturers: ISO 9001: 2015 certification, an international standard often required to export products, pursue government contracts – particularly military – or become a supplier to major primes (think DuPont, Northrop Grumman, etc.).

“Having ISO certification is a biggie in the manufacturing industry,” Mack said. “It lets customers and potential customers know that you’re consistently producing quality products.” ISO 9001 also involves a process of continual improvement to boost efficiency, reduce errors and maintain high standards of service.

Mack turned to Marshall University’s Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) for assistance. Over the years, Cyclops had taken advantage of multiple RCBI services, including customized training in CNC mill operation and workforce development through Apprenticeship Works, RCBI’s National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership.

RCBI was able to cover the cost of its services under a grant from the AIM Higher Consortium, a southwestern Pennsylvania and West Virginia collaborative (of which RCBI is a partner) to connect manufacturers to the military supply chain. One way it does that is by assisting companies such as Cyclops in achieving the certifications they need to bid on military contracts.

Members of RCBI’s Quality Implementation team, Erica Cheetham and Carmen Archer, traveled to Cyclops’s manufacturing facility and worked closely with Mack and her crew for several months to prepare for the audit that ultimately led to certification. This involved documenting work procedures of each employee and developing and implementing a formal written Quality Management System that includes procedures for corrective actions if problems arise.

With RCBI’s assistance, Cyclops passed the certification audit earlier this year – on the first try. Now, said Mack, the company has a formal system in place to preserve the knowledge of seasoned employees and pass it on to new hires, ensure consistent quality of products and services as well as qualify the company to pursue new opportunities.

Mack said preparing for the ISO 9001 certification audit was a lengthy process because of the detail and precise documentation required, but it was worth the time.

“ISO 9001 lets the world know that we produce a quality product, that we follow the same system each time and that we care about how we make our products,” she explained. “Without Erica and Carmen, we never would have been able to do it.”

RCBI has assisted dozens of West Virginia companies in achieving first-time ISO certification. For more information about its full line of Quality Implementation assistance, visit www.rcbi.org/quality or contact Cheetham at echeetham@rcbi.org or 304.781.1687.

To learn more about Cyclops Industries, the 2021 West Virginia Family-Owned Small Business of the Year as designated by the District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, visit www.cyclopswv.com .

Or call us at 800-292-9011.

Marshall promotes Weber to oversee government relations

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:03:36 GMT

After propelling RCBI to national prominence,

longtime director to assume new role

Since its creation 32 years ago, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University has grown from a regionally focused support center to a one-of-a-kind state and national resource that delivers manufacturing and technical assistance, entrepreneurial support, workforce development, quality implementation, and STEM education across West Virginia and 31 other states.

This exponential growth has been fueled by the passion, dedication, leadership and vision of longtime Director & CEO Charlotte Weber.

The beginning

Upon assuming the leadership role in 1996, Weber embarked on an ambitious plan to expand RCBI to meet the growing demand of manufacturers and entrepreneurs, to build an agile organization capable of responding to changing and diverse needs.

Under her guidance, RCBI expanded operations to serve the entire state. It launched the country’s first Machinist Technology educational initiative to combine industry credentials with a career-enhancing college degree option. This effort soon was followed by the creation of a nationally recognized Welding Technology Program that, like its machining counterpart, continues to address the ongoing skills gap facing industry.

RCBI evolved into a national leader in the emerging additive manufacturing (better known as 3D printing) arena, installing the state’s largest 3D printer and in 2014 the only metal 3D printer to serve industrial and military needs. The Institute amassed more than $22 million in advanced technology for leased used by manufacturers and startups.

It rocketed beyond the stratosphere in 2005 when RCBI’s National Composites Center of Excellence played a pivotal role in constructing the West Virginia-made Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier designed and deployed on the NASA Space Shuttle mission to service the Hubble Telescope.

With the backing of the U.S. Department of Labor, RCBI designed and deployed in 2015 the country’s first nationwide advanced manufacturing apprenticeship program that today serves companies across West Virginia and 22 other states. During Weber’s tenure, RCBI has trained more than 26,500 individuals and assisted more than 6,000 companies.

Supply Chain Expo to Connect State Suppliers

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 12:26:31 GMT

Annual event connects suppliers to manufacturers

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) and Advantage Valley will sponsor a free online expo August 10 to link small-scale suppliers of goods and services to Chemours, a major state manufacturer of chemicals and related products.

Participants in the Chemours Supply Chain Expo will learn about the processes to become suppliers and how to bid on contracts. Officials with Chemours’s Belle plant are interested in connecting to suppliers of a variety of goods and services, including:

Maintenance parts/supplies (motors, wires, electrical components, gaskets, O-rings, couplings, lubrication, manual valves, studs / fasteners, etc.)
Pipe fabrication
Machining
Packaging materials such as drums and totes
Office furniture
Banners/flags/signs with company branding
Food Service – run the site cafeteria or food trucks, etc.
Weed control
Pest control
Pressure relief valve test / Repair
Coatings / insulation
Asbestos / lead abatement
Electric motor test / repair
Pump repair
Large electrical transformer testing / maintenance
Heat exchanger repair / eddy current testing
Roofing repairs (particularly flat rubber roofs)
Construction services (civil, piping, scaffolding)
HVAC repairs / service

The Aug. 10 virtual Supply Chain Expo will run from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event is free but registration is required below. For more information, contact RCBI’s Derek Scarbro at 304.781.1684 or Advantage Valley’s Terrell Ellis at 304.546.7323.

Cyclops Industries Honored by the US Small Business Administration

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 12:48:14 GMT

SBA West Virginia District Office releases state level award winners

WASHINGTON – Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman , head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, announced the 2022 Small Business Persons of the Year winners from each of the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The winners will be formally recognized on May 5 during the National Small Business Week (NSBW) Virtual Summit’s Awards Ceremony, May 2-5. This year’s NSBW theme, “Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship,” highlights the resilience, ingenuity, and creativity of these award winners who, like millions of small businesses, have navigated challenges from the pandemic and contributed to our nation’s economic comeback.

“I am delighted to recognize our National Small Business Week winners from across the country who have stepped up to build their businesses, create jobs, and power historic recovery over the past year,” Administrator Guzman said. “Entrepreneurs are innovators and creators at their core, delivering the products and services we depend on and making our neighborhoods, towns, and cities more vibrant places to live and work. They give their all to achieve their American dream of business ownership and, by doing so, advance America’s economy and global competitiveness. Our 2022 award winners represent the vibrancy and resiliency of our nation’s 32.5 million small businesses, and I look forward to celebrating these small business giants and the positive impact they have had on lives and livelihoods in communities all across America.”

National Small Business Week will be observed May 1-7, 2022. It will celebrate our small businesses, provide critical resources and recognize SBA partners for their support in providing startups and small business owners with counseling and advice, skills development, disaster preparedness and recovery, as well as access to capital, government contracting, and market opportunities to start, grow and build resilient businesses.

2022 State and Territory Small Business Person(s) of the Year

West Virginia
Jill Scarbro
Bright Futures Learning Services
Winfield, WV

Click here for a full list of State Small Business Person(s) of the Year

2022 West Virginia District Office Small Business Week Award Winners

State levels winners will be honored during an invite only awards ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2022 at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont, WV.

Small Business Exporter of the Year
Kenneth Thompson
Mustang Sampling/ Valtronics Solutions, Inc.
Ravenswood, WV
Nominated by: Self
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
Kimberly Mack
Cyclops Industries, Inc.
South Charleston, WV
Nominated by: Harold Patterson, WV SBDC
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Julie Zuercher
Sparkle Janitorial Products LLC
Morgantown, WV
Nominated by: Sharon Stratton & Frank Goldsborough, WV SBDC
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Elizabeth Riffle
Riffle Farms LLC
Terra Alta, WV
Nominated by: Sharon Stratton, WV SBDC

In addition to the small businesses being honored, the SBA West Virginia District Office will recognize their top lenders for 2021, including:

West Virginia Lender of the Year
Huntington National Bank
West Virginia Community Lender of the Year
Clear Mountain Bank
West Virginia Microlender of the Year
First Microloan of West Virginia

Co-sponsorship Authorization# 22-1-C. The SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products, or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

About National Small Business Week

For more than 60 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21 ^st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.

To register for National Small Business Week and for other event information, visit www.sba.gov/NSBW .

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov .

Inventors to gather in South Charleston

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 14:30:30 GMT

Will you be there?

Just like our founder, Gene LeRoy, inventors have been backbone of progression for centuries.

Are you an Inventor?

Our partners at RCBI are having very special event for you.

Learn more below:

nventors from across the Mountain State will gather this spring in South Charleston for an inaugural meeting of the minds.

The West Virginia Inventors Society (WVIS) will launch April 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the West Virginia Regional Technology Park. The brainchild of businessmen and entrepreneurs Linwood Hamilton and Brian Joseph, WVIS will provide a forum for inventors at all stages of the development process to network, evaluate each another’s ideas, connect to entrepreneurial resources and potentially secure investors.

“Not only do we want to invite seasoned inventors to participate, but anyone who has an idea for an invention that they’d like to vet,” Hamilton explained. “We also welcome service providers, intellectual property experts, community lenders, angel investors and others who can help move ideas from concept to commercialization.”

The event will be hosted by the Tech Park, the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University and West Virginia Executive magazine.

“We at RCBI are excited to be involved in the creation of the West Virginia Inventors Society,” said Derek Scarbro, RCBI deputy director. “Our clients, many of whom are inventors and entrepreneurs, frequently mention the need for such a group, one in which like-minded individuals can interact, brainstorm and share best practices. This is another important way for us to support product development and innovation in West Virginia.”

To attend the free WVIS kickoff, register at www.rcbi.org/inventors . For more information, contact Scarbro at 304.781.1684.

Manufacturers to create hundreds of jobs in W.Va.

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 13:53:32 GMT

Manufacturing boom heading to WV!

From: RCBI

The new year began with an economic bang and a manufacturing boom in southern West Virginia.State officials announced in mid-January that two out-of-state companies will open manufacturing facilities in Mason and Kanawha counties, creating hundreds of jobs and investments approaching $3 billion. In exchange, the state is providing the companies with tax breaks and other financial incentives.

Nucor Corp., the biggest steel producer in the United States, will make the largest private investment in state history by constructing a $2.7 billion state-of-the art steel mill along the Ohio River in Mason County.

“We are incredibly excited to be building this new steel mill in West Virginia,” said Leon Topalian, president and chief executive officer of Nucor. “This will be the world’s most advanced sheet steel mill producing the most sustainable steel that will build our nation’s modern 21st century economy.”

Nucor, based in Charlotte, N.C., produces steel by recycling scrap metal in electric arc furnaces, using a process that makes it one of the cleanest steel producers in the world and a leader in sustainable steel production. In addition, the company is one of the largest recyclers in North America.

Once fully operational, the West Virginia facility is expected to create 800 manufacturing jobs with average salaries between $80,000 and $90,000. Construction, which is slated to begin later this year, will create an additional 1,000 jobs. Officials said the steel manufacturing facility should open sometime in 2024.

The mill will be capable of producing up to 3 million tons of sheet steel per year for use in the production of automobiles, appliances, heating and cooling units, and agricultural and construction equipment, among other items.

State officials said the Nucor development will spur additional economic activity in the region. “This is a landmark announcement in the history of our state,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “Nucor’s brand-new facility is going to be a key part of West Virginia’s DNA long into the future. It’s going to change lives by bringing hundreds of great-paying jobs to Mason County, and the economic ripple effects will bring even more goodness to our state.”

The same day as the Nucor announcement, state officials revealed that GreenPower Motor Company of Canada will begin manufacturing zero-emission, all-electric school buses at a former industrial site in South Charleston. Production should begin later this year and will initially create 200 jobs with the potential to create 900 when the plant reaches full capacity.

GreenPower officials predicted the South Charleston operations could have a yearly economic impact of $500 million a year. GreenPower will locate on 9.5 acres and repurpose an 80,000-square-foot facility near the Ordnance Center.

“As we continue to diversity our economy, manufacturing these zero-emission school buses in West Virginia will open up a world of opportunities for our state,” Justice said. “Just as importantly, this development is going to change lives. Not only will it bring hundreds of great-paying jobs to the Kanawha Valley, but the ripple effects on our state’s economy are going to be off the charts.”

GreenPower President Brendan Riley said the Mountain State is a good fit for his company as it expands operations. “West Virginia has shown us to be pro-business state that has a workforce ready to take advantage of clean energy jobs,” Riley said. “As West Virginia’s economy transforms, it is important to provide skilled and high-skilled jobs to help workers make the transition as seamless as possible. Our facility will provide both training and immediate employment opportunities with a competitive wage.”

Charlotte Weber, RCBI director & CEO, said her organization is ready and able to assist both companies with manufacturing and technical expertise, workforce training and quality implementation. RCBI representatives met with officials from both companies while the state was working to attract them to West Virginia and has since reached out to offer assistance.

“What a great day for manufacturing in West Virginia!” Weber said. “RCBI is uniquely positioned to provide the advanced technology and expertise to support Nucor, GreenPower and other manufacturers considering setting up shop in the state. We’re ready to get to work.”

CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 15:18:30 GMT

Sorry, we are closed due to weather and power issues

We had to close our manufacturing plant today due to a power outage. We hope to have power restored by Wednesday, January 19, 2022.

Please call us then. Or leave us a message here.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Kim Mack,

President

RCBI donates to STEM Education

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 14:53:31 GMT

Donation of drones, robots, etc.

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) has awarded robot and drone kits to student groups across West Virginia and southeastern Ohio to increase the number of youths – particularly girls – engaged in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities. More than 300 young people, including 145 girls, are expected to benefit from the donations.

“STEM education is increasingly important in today’s technology centric world,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director & CEO. “Not enough young people are pursing careers in these in-demand occupations. By introducing youngsters – particularly underrepresented girls – to robotics and drone technology through hands-on competitions, we hope to show them that sustainable careers in STEM fields are attainable.”

RCBI chose the awardees because of their commitment to participate in statewide robotics and drone competitions sponsored by RCBI and other STEM-focused groups and their proposals to recruit female participants.

Robot awardees are Barboursville Middle School in Cabell County, Smithtown Robotics in Monongalia County, Pendleton Builders 4-H Club in Pendleton County, a non-school-or-organization-affiliated group from Kanawha County; and Tri-State STEM + M Early College High School in Lawrence County, Ohio. Drone kit awardees are Charleston Catholic High School in Kanawha County and Tri-State STEM + M Early College High School in Lawrence County, Ohio.

RCBI will host a VEX IQ Robotics Competition Feb. 12 and a RAD Drone Competition Feb. 13 in Huntington. Teams will compete for a chance to advance to the state tournaments for each event in Fairmont.

RCBI’s robot and drone awards and student competitions are made possible through the financial support of the NASA West Virginia Space Grant Consortium with assistance from the NASA IV&V Education Resource Center, the West Virginia Robotics Alliance, Marshall University and dozens of volunteers.

To learn more about our STEM events and opportunities, visit the Maker Vault page at www.rcbi.org/maker-vault/ .

Infrastructure bill allocates billions for high-tech West Virginia projects

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 17:33:51 GMT

WV on the Verge

The massive $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure bill passed by Congress and signed into law this month by President Joe Biden included billions for West Virginia projects, including funding for cutting-edge transportation initiatives fueled by emerging technologies.

Marshall University’s Appalachian Transportation Institute, RCBI and others will compete for infrastructure monies to help bring the emerging technologies to West Virginia.

An important project to West Virginia is the Virgin Hyperloop Certification Center announced in October 2020 by Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group; state native John Chambers; and former U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The $500 million testing center is to be built on 800 acres in Grant and Tucker counties.

Marshall, West Virginia University and others have submitted a grant that will help advance the state as the place where advanced transportation opportunities have a home. This project provides learning and workforce opportunities for West Virginians, as well as students enrolled at Marshall and WVU.

The infrastructure bill also includes funding for emerging “green” technologies known as eVTOL, electric-powered vertical-takeoff-and-landing vehicles that ferry people and cargo up to 250 miles on a single charge.

RCBI and a statewide coalition, including many private business partners, have applied for Phase I Build Back Better grant funding to continue to build upon West Virginia’s rich history of aviation and aerospace manufacturing as well develop the new workforce needed to propel the eVTOL industry in the Mountain State.

Extracting Full Value From Data

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 12:58:31 GMT

By: The Manufacturer

This is an interesting article about big data in the manufacturing space.

Five guiding principles can help equipment OEMs and industrial equipment users to design a successful data-driven maintenance transformation that extracts full value from the data their equipment generates, argues Adrian Bostock.

Today’s industrial environment is a warehouse of data, with many pieces of equipment cranking out vast amounts of information about the way they have been working thanks to a growing suite of sensors and infrastructure that captures and collects data.

Most companies do a good job of collecting this data to figure out what happened, but then what? Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are incorporating data capture and collection capabilities in their equipment and others are complementing this architecture with data repositories and advanced analytics layers.

Despite the access to these data, to extract full value from them – in particular reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and the impact of unplanned downtime – big steps still need to be made. Similarly, among their industrial customers there is a wide range of end users.

Click here for FULL Article.

U.S. Department of Labor backs RCBI workforce initiative

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 01:55:59 GMT

$1.49 million award

RCBI and a broad coalition of partners, including Marshall University’s Creating Opportunities for Recovery Employment (CORE), Region 1, 2 and 3 Workforce Boards in West Virginia, the Greater Ohio Workforce Board, Mountwest Community and Technical College, Rhema Development and Hope Nation as well as private industry partners will launch an innovative, mutifaceted, industry-driven workforce training initiative across the Tri-State region thanks to a $1.49 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Construction Skills Training initiative will provide the hands-on education and training needed to put people to work, said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director & CEO. The program will target and retrain workers displaced because of the downturn in this traditionally coal-reliant region as well as individuals recovering from substance use disorders.

As part of the initiative, RCBI will expand the short-term manufacturing training and career skills degree and certificate programs it offers in partnership with Mountwest to train manufacturing technicians for entry level jobs that align with the specific needs of industry. In addition, Mountwest will expand its industrial electronics offerings and provide peer recovery counseling through the Southern West Virginia Collegiate Peer Recovery Network.

The initiative also will team with the soon-to-launch Marshall/Mountwest Aviation Maintenance Technology program to offer additional certifications that not only will enhance students’ aviation education but develop skill sets applicable across a variety of industries.

Through an innovative partnership with Rhema Development and Hope Nation, individuals will be given the opportunity for immediate employment in construction while they learn to build components for prefabricated housing units. Marshall’s CORE program will conduct training for recovering individuals as well as industry human resources teams to assist with employment re-entry for individuals completing the training programs.

“This effort will build upon RCBI’s successful, broad-based workforce development initiatives by leveraging the considerable resources of our multiple partners to deliver flexible, industry-driven training that leads to sustainable employment for participants,” Weber said. “RCBI appreciates the recognition and support provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Appalachian Regional Commission.”

The service area will include Boone, Cabell, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mingo, Putnam and Wayne counties in West Virginia; Boyd, Carter, Greenup and Lawrence counties in Kentucky; and Lawrence County in Ohio.

The initiative is funded through the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative, a joint project of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Appalachian Regional Commission to align workforce development efforts with existing economic development strategies in rural communities hard hit by economic transition.

To learn more about the workforce training options available through the program, contact RCBI’s Carol Howerton at carol.howerton@rcbi.org or 304.781.1680.

EDA Boosts RCBI Efforts to Strengthen Supply Chain

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:04:11 GMT

Helping to connect businesses.

From our partners at RCBI.

On-going efforts by the Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) at Marshall University to strengthen the local manufacturing supply chain received a boost this month from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

RCBI is a project partner of Advantage Valley’s Expanding Markets Initiative, which was awarded $1.33 million by the EDA to connect businesses in the Huntington-Charleston metro region to new markets, improve state supply chains and link businesses to state and federal resources. As part of this effort, RCBI and Advantage Valley will expand their successful series of Supply Chain Expos, which have connected 523 state small businesses to supplier opportunities with major manufacturers in several key economic sectors.

“As the pandemic has demonstrated, strengthening the local supply chain is more critical than ever,” said Derek Scarbro, RCBI interim deputy director and director of business development. “Our Supply Chain Expos have generated multiple contracts between small businesses and large manufacturers, shortening the supply chain, reducing lead times – and in many instances lowering costs – while increasing in-state economic activity.”

Upcoming Supply Chain Expos will introduce more small businesses to contracting opportunities and major manufacturers to area suppliers they may not realize are available to them, Scarbro said.

In addition, as part of the Expanding Markets Initiative, RCBI will continue to deliver manufacturing assistance to help entrepreneurs and businesses move ideas from concept to commercialization, as well as assist manufacturers in achieving the quality certifications necessary to compete for contracts with government entities and major manufacturers. RCBI also will promote its Business-to-Business Marketplace ( www.b2bwv.com ) to connect manufacturers of all sizes to contracting and supply chain opportunities and recruit employees.

To learn more about RCBI’s full range of entrepreneurial, business development and manufacturing services, visit www.rcbi.org or contact Scarbro at dscarbro@rcbi.org or 304.781.1684.

West Virginia Proud. Made in West Virginia

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:08:27 GMT

We were so proud to be featured in the WV Chamber of Commerce Magazine.

Click here to review the article.

RCBI Funds Innovations of 6 WV Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 20:29:35 GMT

RCBI has announced $42,000 in early-stage assistance to six additional West Virginia businesses and entrepreneurs. The latest awards support the development of a cross section of new products with commercial potential.

Including this latest round of seed funding, RCBI has awarded more than $765,000 to 189 entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses since 2012.

Early stage assistance helps small businesses and startups design and produce prototypes of new products, expand production and reach new markets, said Charlotte Weber, RCBI Director & CEO.

Early-stage funding initiatives at RCBI have generated more than $114 million in sales for state manufacturers and created at least 403 jobs, according to economic impact analyses by Marshall University.

New award recipients are:

Joey Crookshanks of Cabell County – $5,000 for design engineering and multiple prototypes of an environmental soil-testing device
Wiltshire Creative of Cabell County – $10,000 to design and prototype a specialized outdoor pizza oven/grill
HellBender Lures of Cabell County – $8,000 to produce molds for lures that focus on big-game fishing
Iyad Hijazi of Cabell County – $4,000 for design engineering and prototypes of molds for a falafel burger patty press
Avie, LLC of Kanawha County – $10,000 to produce prototypes of a soffit cutting device and conduct a lean analysis of the effectiveness of the technique
Matthew Price of Raleigh County – $5,000 to develop a mechanical apparatus to improve the efficiency of powerline installation

To learn more about RCBI’s early stage funding initiatives, visit www.rcbi.org/go/esfo.

Early-stage funding initiatives are administered through RCBI’s Appalachian Hatchery and EDA University Center programs and made possible through the financial support of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation. Appalachian Hatchery is part of POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization), a multi-agency initiative that delivers federal resources to help communities affected by job losses in coal mining and related industries.

A Note from our President

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 22:36:49 GMT

Whew, 2020 is behind us.

The best way out is through!

This sentiment appears in the poem “Servant of Servants” by Robert Frost. And now it is on to 2021. As hope rises that we can somewhat put Covid-19 to rest, we are optimistic for the future of Cyclops Industries, Inc.

My grandfather would be so proud. Cyclops Industries, Inc. was established in 1959. We are celebrating our 62nd year in business in 2021.

We are laying the groundwork for a banner 2021.

With the addition of the Okuma MX-55VB machine, we will be able to manufacture our products with timelier efficiency. What an upgrade! We are also excited to launch our new engaging web site and trust that you will sign up for our monthly E-newsletter, The Cyclops Chronicles.

If you are new to Cyclops, let me explain a little about who we are.

With a grateful heart, I became the President & Owner in 1999.

I have certainly learned a lot along the way.

Our company has relationships and customers all over the world. Thank you. Over the last 20 years, we have reinvented ourselves by reaching out to area professionals in business, manufacturing, marketing, branding, and networking. And I feel confident we have positioned our company for 2021 and beyond.

We have set our ‘sights’ high for this year.

Thank you,

Kim Mack,

President

Recent News & Publications for Cyclops Industries

The Year is Underway. Here we go!

What are Sight Glasses?

And Why are They So Important

Small Communities Big Solutions Conference

Coming to University of Charleston in November

RCBI Assists Cyclops Industries in Achieving International Quality Certification

Cyclops Industries Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification

Marshall promotes Weber to oversee government relations

After propelling RCBI to national prominence,

longtime director to assume new role

Supply Chain Expo to Connect State Suppliers

Annual event connects suppliers to manufacturers

Cyclops Industries Honored by the US Small Business Administration

SBA West Virginia District Office releases state level award winners

2022 West Virginia District Office Small Business Week Award Winners

About National Small Business Week

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

Inventors to gather in South Charleston

Will you be there?

Manufacturers to create hundreds of jobs in W.Va.

Manufacturing boom heading to WV!

CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE

Sorry, we are closed due to weather and power issues

RCBI donates to STEM Education

Donation of drones, robots, etc.

Infrastructure bill allocates billions for high-tech West Virginia projects

WV on the Verge

Extracting Full Value From Data

U.S. Department of Labor backs RCBI workforce initiative

$1.49 million award

EDA Boosts RCBI Efforts to Strengthen Supply Chain

Helping to connect businesses.

West Virginia Proud. Made in West Virginia

RCBI Funds Innovations of 6 WV Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

New award recipients are:

A Note from our President

Whew, 2020 is behind us.

We are laying the groundwork for a banner 2021.

If you are new to Cyclops, let me explain a little about who we are.