PHOTOS: Capito Tours Manufacturing Facility, Visits STEAM Museum in Wood County

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), made two stops across Wood County, W.Va. focused on economic development and education. First , Senator Capito visited Northwest Pipe Company in Washington, W.Va., where she toured the manufacturing facility and received updates on operations. Northwest Pipe Company is the largest manufacturer of engineered welded steel water transmission pipe systems in North America, and manufactures pipe used across the United State and the world. “It’s great to visit with Northwest Pipe Company’s leadership and staff to tour the facility and receive updates on operations. Northwest Pipe Company is the largest manufacturer of engineered welded steel water transmission pipe systems in North America, and its work is critical to strengthening our water infrastructure both here and around the world,” Senator Capito said. “I’m proud to see West Virginia workers helping build the products needed to keep our communities safe, resilient, and growing. I look forward to continuing to support manufacturers like Northwest Pipe Company and the hardworking West Virginians who keep our economy moving.” “We were honored to welcome Senator Capito to Northwest Pipe Company and showcase the people, craftsmanship, and advanced manufacturing that drive production at our Parkersburg plant. Right here in West Virginia, more than 100 skilled employees help transform steel into American-made engineered water transmission systems that support critical infrastructure projects across the country. We’re proud to share with her how the work performed at our facility creates quality manufacturing careers, contributes to economic opportunity across the region, and helps deliver the reliable water infrastructure communities depend on every day,” Jeffrey Gardner, Senior Operations Manager at Northwest Pipe Company, said. Next , Senator Capito visited Discovery World on Market in Parkersburg, W.Va., where she toured the museum alongside Executive Director Wendy Shriver. The purpose of the museum is to provide the opportunity for children in the community to exercise curiosity, exploration, and imagination through hands-on STEAM experiences. “Discovery World provides the opportunity for our youth to learn more about science, technology, engineering, arts and math through hands-on experience, filling a critical need in their education. I’m thankful for Wendy allowing me to see the museum today and learn more about their mission and vision here. I’m so proud that West Virginia is home to creative initiatives like that that build up our children and prioritize their education through innovative ways,” Senator Capito said . “We were honored to welcome Senator Capito to Discovery World on Market during her visit,” Wendy Shriver, Executive Director of Discovery World, said . “There is so much exciting momentum at the museum right now, from the recent opening of our new Ember Theatre to the continued growth we’re planning for next year, including the development of our outdoor space. We’re excited about what the future holds and the opportunities ahead to expand the experiences we offer to children and families.” Photos from today’s tours are below: U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Northwest Pipe Company in Washington, W.Va. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Northwest Pipe Company in Washington, W.Va. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Northwest Pipe Company in Washington, W.Va. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Northwest Pipe Company in Washington, W.Va. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Discovery World on Market in Parkersburg, W.Va. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) tours Discovery World on Market in Parkersburg, W.Va. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. # # #