But there's a program available to area manufacturers to help them reduce waste, save energy and become more productive.

The Industrial Assessment Center at West Virginia University is one of twenty-six around the country.

It is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Teams provide free energy evaluations to small and mid-sized manufacturers in West Virginia and bordering states.

Bob Lynch is the President of Davis Lynch Glass Company, a family business in Star City, that has been making hand-blown and hand-decorated lamps since 1945.

"But we're probably one of the last remaining hand-blown glass factories that does this type of work in the country," company president Bob Lynch said.

What is the reason for that?

Lynch says competition from China and cost increases.

"With the high energy costs a lot of companies have gone out of business," Lynch explained, "because of the high natural gas costs."

Lynch estimates the company spends $40,000 to $45,000 each month on energy bills.

That is where this team from West Virginia University's Industrial Assessment Center comes in.

"We look for energy efficiencies in terms of motors, boilers, electrical equipment, natural gas burning equipment and try to see whether we can conserve energy in their operations," said IAC Director Bhaskaran Gopalakrishnan. According to WVU's IAC center, since 1976, Industrial Assessment Centers nationwide have saved American companies more than $700 million.

They have also enabled small and mid-sized manufacturers to save enough energy to power a city the size of Boston and helped create and maintain more than 1.5 million industry jobs

The program does not just help the plant.

It also helps launch student's careers by giving them hands-on experience in the industrial field.

"You are ready to hit the ground running when you graduate," said Ph.D student Subodh Chavdhari, "and companies value that really well."

It is a win-win situation ensuring both the future of the students and companies like Davis Lynch Glass in these tough economic times.

"We're fortunate that they're here," Lynch added.

On Friday, Davis Lynch Glass Company is installing the first step of its assessment recommendation, an automated control system that regulates its fuel.

To see if your company qualifies for a free assessment click on the link below.