HUNTINGTON -- A local company had its grand opening ceremony Friday to celebrate its eco-friendly, battery-powered generator.

The Powerwagon recharges by being hooked on to the back of a vehicle and driving 45 to 65 miles to get a full charge. It is gasless and noiseless.

Greg Hill, a member of The Powerwagon Inc., said the company is starting with a small staff of eight to 10 people.

"We'll have a few in office jobs and the rest in manufacturing jobs," Hill said. "We hope to have 25 to 30 people within a year."

Hill also said they have a three-year lease on their new facility and hope to outgrow the facility by the time the lease is up.

Paul Wilks, inventor of The Powerwagon, said he sees his invention and the company creating jobs for local veterans and wants to make a difference.

"There is no limit to the size you can build this," Wilks said. "It's endless to where it can go."

Wilks also said he has other inventions up his sleeve, but he wants to see how things go with The Powerwagon first.

Harry Wilks said The Powerwagon will be helpful for those whose electricity goes out during natural disasters.

"When the whole world goes dark, you'll always have light," Harry Wilks said.

Paul Wilks said there has been an overwhelming response from the community for The Powerwagon and that everyone loves it.

"Once you use it, you're hooked," he said.

Gov. Joe Manchin's representative, Tammy Stallings, attended the press conference and brought along a letter from Gov. Manchin to present to Paul Wilks.

In Manchin's letter, he congratulated Paul Wilks and said it was truly an exciting day for not only Huntington, but for all of West Virginia.