Senator Farley And Governor Pataki Open New Advanced Manufacturing Plant In Niskayuna

Governor George E. Pataki and Senator Hugh T. Farley today were joined by other State and local officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open a new 67,000 square foot building on a 10-acre campus that is now home to former Toronto based Unilux Advanced Manufacturing.

The new facility is the result of a $301,200 Industrial Access Program (IAP) award to construct a 1,650-foot public roadway off Hillside Avenue into the Niskayuna Technology Park in the Town of Niskayuna, providing access to the new facility.

"We've helped hundreds of businesses like Unilux meet their transportation infrastructure needs, resulting in thousands of new jobs for New Yorkers all across our great State," Governor Pataki said. "By providing critical public access for Unilux Advanced Manufacturing's new facility, we are paving the way toward creating new job opportunities for Schenectady County and facilitating future business interest in the Niskayuna Technology Park."

"Unilux Advanced Manufacturing's decision to relocate their operations in the U.S. is good news, but their decision to build and create jobs, right here in the Capital Region makes it great news. Everyday more and more businesses are realizing what Unilux already knows - there is no better place to do business than right here in New York State," Governor Pataki added.

Senator Hugh Farley said, "Governor Pataki is today fulfilling another of his promises to people in Schenectady. Thanks to the Governor and his team, Unilux has opened a 67,000 square foot advanced manufacturing facility in Niskayuna, with a total investment of $6 million, and employment to reach 100 skilled jobs. What's more, this plant is designed to be able to more than double in size, and to anchor a world-class technology park. The Industrial Access Program grant which built the roadways into the Niskayuna Technology Park is literally paving the way for new jobs and investment in Schenectady County."

Assemblyman James Tedisco said, "Governor George Pataki continues to demonstrate his commitment to economic growth and revitalization by bringing new manufacturing and transportation initiatives to our region. This new facility will bring needed jobs to the Capital Region and further develop our already sophisticated infrastructure system."

Assemblyman Paul Tonko said, "Several years ago, Unilux Advanced Manufacturing President Larry Farrelly reached out to me for assistance in building a manufacturing plant in Schenectady. I was pleased to work with Empire State Development and Schenectady County to develop a financing package that enticed this world renowned boiler manufacturer to our region. Moreover, this project - with its enhanced infrastructure for utilities and transportation - will be a catalyst for future job growth and investment in Schenectady County."

Luke Smith Town of Niskayuna Supervisor said, "The Town of Niskayuna worked hard with the Unilux owners and various economic development agencies to bring the company to town. Already, Unilux has proven to be a great corporate neighbor."

Lawrence Farrelly, President of Unilux Advanced Manufacturing said, "The Governor's dedication to job creation has made it possible for Unilux to bring real manufacturing back to the region and provide solid employment to local residents. Judging by the welcome and support we received from the State, local authorities and the Capitol Region, the area truly supports these positive action based policies. The capitol region is simply a great location for business and we would enthusiastically encourage others to seriously consider New York State."

The Industrial Access Program (IAP), administered by the State Department of Transportation, is a reimbursement program that provides a combination of grants and interest-free loans on a 60 percent/40 percent split to municipalities or associations sponsored by municipalities for transportation access projects that promote economic development, encourage investment and help create and maintain jobs.

The IAP award, consisting of a $180,720 grant and a $120,480 interest-free loan, enabled the Town of Niskayuna to construct the new roadway. The Town sponsored the IAP request on behalf of the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority.

In addition to promoting sound economic programs and initiatives like the IAP program to help manufacturers and other businesses succeed, the Governor has promoted new initiatives specifically designed to strengthen New York's manufacturers. His plan includes a new, targeted manufacturing job-training assistance program -- NY SMART -- which will provide manufacturers with the support they need to maintain and enhance the skills of their employees. The Governor has also directed Empire State Development to create a new Manufacturing Assistance Program - MAP - that will coordinate Federal, State and local assistance programs and will link manufacturing companies to the appropriate research and development grant funding.

State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Thomas J. Madison, Jr. said, "Thanks to the leadership of Governor Pataki, we are making smart investments in New York's transportation infrastructure through the Industrial Access Program that help create and maintain high-tech, high-paying jobs for the people of New York State. This new roadway will benefit not only Unilux, but businesses that seek to reap the benefits of locating within the Niskayuna Technology Park."

Unilux Advanced Manufacturing is a Toronto, Ontario, based producer of high-efficiency, environmentally-friendly heating systems used by schools, military bases, hospitals and businesses. The 67,000-square-foot manufacturing facility will accommodate future expansions of up to 150,000 square feet. The company has invested $6 million into the Niskayuna operation. The new roadway will not only serve the transportation needs of Unilux, it also will offer access to 200 shovel-ready acres within the park upon which an additional 300,000 square feet of office and light manufacturing space can be constructed.