CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In response to various news reports in the past few days, McJunkin Red Man Corp. would like to set the record straight.

McJunkin Red Man remains firmly committed to our corporate presence in the Charleston area. We have approximately 250 employees in our Charleston corporate offices with another 77 employees in our Nitro distribution center and our Hurricane branch in Putnam County. Only five Charleston executives have relocated to our new corporate headquarters office in Houston, and most of these will continue to maintain offices and residences in the Charleston area.

Over the past few years, our company has grown significantly. We are the largest North American distributor of pipe, valves and fittings to the energy industry, and with the recent purchase of Transmark, headquartered in the United Kingdom, McJunkin Red Man extends our business globally into Europe, Asia and Australia.

Many of our customers are headquartered in Houston, known as the energy capital of the world, and it makes sense to establish a strong executive presence in that location. Not only is this a prudent business strategy, but, in addition, the investment in Houston strengthens continued employment opportunities here in West Virginia.

The loyalty and experience of our local work force are strong assets and a vital part of our business plan going forward. Some of our most important customers have large-scale operations in West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region, and we remain committed to servicing them from our many locations throughout the region. In addition, we expect that as our company grows and the economy recovers, we will add to our employee base here in Charleston and in our other corporate offices and operations.

On a personal note, the Charleston community leaders held a great reception earlier this year to welcome me as the new CEO of McJunkin Red Man. Gov. Joe Manchin and his wonderful wife, Gayle, have taken time out of their busy schedules to meet personally with me twice. As CEO, when I see political, business and education leaders working together to create a pro-business environment, it will be successful for all.

McJunkin Red Man, like all U.S. businesses, has faced some difficult times in 2009, but we will come through even stronger. The real story in all this should be of great pride for Charleston and West Virginia. The startup company with roots right here in Charleston has become the global leader in distribution for the energy and industrial markets.

If Jerry McJunkin and Bernard Wehrle could see the company they started 89 years ago, I think they would be very proud. I am proud of our company and optimistic about our future.

Lane is president and CEO of McJunkin Red Man Corp.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- In response to various news reports in the past few days, McJunkin Red Man Corp. would like to set the record straight.

McJunkin Red Man remains firmly committed to our corporate presence in the Charleston area. We have approximately 250 employees in our Charleston corporate offices with another 77 employees in our Nitro distribution center and our Hurricane branch in Putnam County. Only five Charleston executives have relocated to our new corporate headquarters office in Houston, and most of these will continue to maintain offices and residences in the Charleston area.

Over the past few years, our company has grown significantly. We are the largest North American distributor of pipe, valves and fittings to the energy industry, and with the recent purchase of Transmark, headquartered in the United Kingdom, McJunkin Red Man extends our business globally into Europe, Asia and Australia.

Many of our customers are headquartered in Houston, known as the energy capital of the world, and it makes sense to establish a strong executive presence in that location. Not only is this a prudent business strategy, but, in addition, the investment in Houston strengthens continued employment opportunities here in West Virginia.

The loyalty and experience of our local work force are strong assets and a vital part of our business plan going forward. Some of our most important customers have large-scale operations in West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region, and we remain committed to servicing them from our many locations throughout the region. In addition, we expect that as our company grows and the economy recovers, we will add to our employee base here in Charleston and in our other corporate offices and operations.

On a personal note, the Charleston community leaders held a great reception earlier this year to welcome me as the new CEO of McJunkin Red Man. Gov. Joe Manchin and his wonderful wife, Gayle, have taken time out of their busy schedules to meet personally with me twice. As CEO, when I see political, business and education leaders working together to create a pro-business environment, it will be successful for all.

McJunkin Red Man, like all U.S. businesses, has faced some difficult times in 2009, but we will come through even stronger. The real story in all this should be of great pride for Charleston and West Virginia. The startup company with roots right here in Charleston has become the global leader in distribution for the energy and industrial markets.

If Jerry McJunkin and Bernard Wehrle could see the company they started 89 years ago, I think they would be very proud. I am proud of our company and optimistic about our future.

Lane is president and CEO of McJunkin Red Man Corp.