Wyoming Man Lands Job in State

Oceana native David Worrell was one of the speakers during ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of Toyota’s West Virginia plant in Buffalo — speakers that included Toyota hierarchy, as well as Gov. Joe Manchin and U. S. Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.

Automotive machinery is not a new experience for the 35-year-old.

For a time, David worked at Worrell’s Exxon in Oceana, owned and operated by his family.

Despite a teaching degree in physical education, Worrell had no luck landing a full time position. He did, however, work as a substitute teacher throughout southern West Virginia, as well as other jobs, until he found a job on Toyota’s four-cylinder assembly line.

Now, eight years later, he is a team leader in the upper assembly operation.

"This place has been a godsend for me," Worrell said, adding the plant is bringing many West Virginia natives home.

"My grandmother said this would be a job for life, and it really is."

Opening with a few hundred employees, the plant now has a work force of more than 1,000, with five plant expansions in the past six years.

"For the 1,050 team members who keep Toyota’s operations moving forward in Putnam County, this week’s celebration was truly a mark of their success and productivity," Manchin said.

"It is no coincidence that once Toyota discovered West Virginia, the automotive giant decided to expand here five times during the past decade.

"For three years running, Toyota’s Buffalo plant has been ranked as the most productive engine manufacturing facility in North America by the Harbour Consulting Group," Manchin added.

David Worrell, and his wife, Michelle, have twin sons, Alex and Dylan. David is the son of Dennis and Carolyn Worrell of Oceana.