Larkin Announces Mid-hudson Valley Company To Create 570 New Jobs In The City Of Kingston

Senator Bill Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson) today joined Governor George E. Pataki and Kingston Mayor James Sottile to announce that Armor Dynamics will expand its operations and invest more than $20 million to create 570 new jobs over the next five years at a new facility that will be located in the City of Kingston.

"The expansion of another company in Kingston is great news for the City and its surrounding areas," said Senator Larkin. "I have had the privilege of working with officials from Armor Dynamics for several months now and have been impressed by the economic opportunities their plans will create for local residents. This entrepreneurial spirit will foster innovation and encourage other businesses to invest in Ulster County. I congratulate the Governor, our local officials and Armor Dynamics for having the vision to see the possibilities of this new venture, to create new jobs and build a stronger economy for the future."

Armor Dynamics will invest more than $20 million to build a new 58,000 square foot manufacturing facility located in the Ulster County Empire Zone in the Kingston Business Park, and create 570 new jobs over the next five years.

The company, based in Kingston, manufactures products for homeland security and military uses using a unique material called Magmacore, a new one-of-a-kind light weight material that provides an extremely effective barrier against high-velocity artillery rounds and explosives and offers a much lighter, more effective, and less expensive alternative to conventional armament.

The material has many applications including in the Armor Dynamics SecureCan trash can, V-Blast protective shields, and Bunker Blocks used to fortify military structures. Further development is being conducted to use this revolutionary material in bullet-proof vests, reinforced cockpit doors, and vehicle armor, providing greater protection for the military, law enforcement, civilians, buildings and infrastructure.

The New York State Office of Science, Technology and Academic Research (NYSTAR) has partnered with Armor Dynamics, and relevant high-technology academic research centers and scientists on many of these projects to help further development of the company’s products. 

NYSTAR recently awarded $522,800 to Armor Dynamics, Inc. and its academic partner SUNY Geneseo to begin the commercialization of the ballistic panels that provide new protection for military personnel with about one-third the weight of existing products.

In consideration of Armor Dynamics commitment to New York State, the company is eligible to apply for a $1.25 million capital grant for the purchase new machinery and equipment for the new facility.