CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Gov. Joe Manchin and officials from Variform, Inc., today announced the company’s expansion of its Berkeley County operations in the Berkeley Business Park, creating approximately 50 jobs.

The 122,000-square-foot expansion, in the former World Kitchen/Corning facility on U.S. 11, south of Martinsburg, will provide additional warehouse space for Variform’s vinyl siding operation as well as a distribution center for Napco brand retail and wholesale siding and accessories.

“This announcement is evidence that West Virginia is building the right climate for businesses to expand,” the governor said. “The strength of the state’s existing companies is critical as we continue to develop the quality of our workforce and enhance our business infrastructure.”

Variform is the second company to lease space in the facility, purchased last year by Don and Ralph Shockey and John Good of Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc.

“We are pleased to bring this distribution activity to Berkeley County and look forward to the opportunities it brings to our Martinsburg operations,” said Jeff Kratzer, plant manager.

The company, which employs about 250 people, has expanded its manufacturing facility four times to 155,000 square feet since arriving in Martinsburg in 1987.

“This adds another fine activity in the former World Kitchen building and we are so grateful for Variform’s added confidence in Berkeley County and West Virginia,” said Bob Crawford, executive director of the Berkeley County Development Authority. “Variform has been a good corporate citizen and we welcome this new activity.”

Variform, Inc., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ply Gem Industries, Inc. Ply Gem is headquartered in Kearney, Mo., and manufactures and distributes vinyl siding, windows, patio doors, fencing, railing, decking and accessories marketed under the Variform, MW, Great Lakes, Napco, Kroy and CWD brands used in the residential new construction, do-it-yourself and professional renovation markets.

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