Exciting new relationships were formed last year on manufacturing day. At an event held at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, Everton Henriques, representing MTEC and Fuzehub, had the pleasure of being introduced to individuals from the NYCEDC’s Futureworks organization. Futureworks is key to helping the emerging and existing manufacturers of New York City adopt advanced technologies and increase local production. Futureworks also partners with Second Muse, who designed and runs their Futureworks Incubator and Futureworks Shops programs.
After getting to know one another, it was expressed that many of the entrepreneurs and manufacturers of the New York City area have a need for supply chain support. This particular kind of support is something that the MEP centers work hard to achieve for the companies they serve. MTEC, in partnership with Fuzehub, wanted to create an opportunity to expose Futureworks to the rich resources of the Hudson Valley and Capital Region, who happen to be their neighbors. As an alternative to supply chain support from other states or offshore, there are opportunities available within New York State.
The three organizations worked together to plan a trip for representatives from Futureworks and Second Muse to tour the Capital district and the Hudson Valley. On Thursday and Friday, March 23rd and 24th, the group met with different business owners in these areas to get a feel for what kind of support they have to offer.
Thursday was focused around the Capital Region. Accompanied by the Directors of NYSTAR, CEG, and Fuzehub, individuals from Futureworks and MTEC went to visit the SUNY Poly College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering. This is the home of billions of dollars of nanoscience-focused investments as well as the most advanced 200mm/300mm wafer facilities in the world. The Albany Nanotech Complex is a fully integrated research, development, prototyping, and educational facility. The institute was an exciting world to expose the members of Futureworks to as the Nanotech Complex is involved with many centers and programs that aim to bridge the gap between university research opportunities and manufacturing implementation.
Their visit at the college was followed by lunch at the Albany Pump Station, a wonderful example of one of the many well-established breweries in the region. Arcadia Manufacturing Group was the first manufacturer on their list of resources to explore. Arcadia, located in Green Island, NY, is a global contract manufacturing company. They have a large range of services including laser and waterjet cutting, welding, CNC machining, fabrication, assembly, and design engineering. With the flexibility to run large and small batches of parts, Arcadia touches on industries from transportation and defense to medicinal.
On Friday the group headed to the Hudson Valley. Their first stop was EAW Electronic Systems, Inc., Vantage Manufacturing and Assembly, LLC (VMA), and Optimum Applied Systems, Inc (OAS) located in Poughkeepsie, NY. These three are housed in one location creating powerful full-service assistance for manufacturers. Their services range from printed circuit board assembly to power supply assemblies and contract manufacturing requirements.
Marco Manufacturing was the fourth visit of the two-day tour, where the Futureworks team got to see how circuit boards are made. Marco Manufacturing is a contract manufacturer who specializes in tailoring their processes to fit their customers’ needs.
After getting to know the manufacturers of The Valley, the group went to see another growing sector that we are all very proud of, the breweries. Brewmation, located in Hopewell Junction, NY happened to be their next stop. Brewmation builds and supplies brewery equipment. They specialize in 100% electric systems and steam-fired systems in which customers can choose component parts or a complete turnkey system.
The final stop was Andean Brewing Company, Inc. located in Blauvelt New York. Andean brewing is the company behind Kuka beer. The brewery’s beer is brewed with maca root, which is grown in the Andes Mountains and is said to be an aphrodisiac. Aside from their beers brewed with a twist, the brewery has a 2,000 barrel per year capacity and does a good amount of contract brewing. They are a great resource for growing brewers who do not have space or economic means to keep up with their demand. The beer industry is exploding, especially in New York City where breweries are popping up left and right. The resources we have in the Hudson Valley could be vital to their supply chain and business success.
Before manufacturing day last year, the individuals at Futureworks had no idea they had so many innovative and high-tech resources within their grasp. As the only center in the MEP system providing engineering consulting services, MTEC was able to expose the Futureworks team to our design assistance as well as the many manufacturers we work with in the area. Since their tour of the region, there have already been new inquiries for supply chain support activities.
