New Initiative Proving Successful in Bringing Solutions to Manufacturing Companies
Governor Cuomo today announced FuzeHub, a new statewide initiative to grow manufacturing companies that was officially launched in November, is proving successful in bringing solutions to businesses – including two companies from the Capital Region. As a collaboration and resource platform that works with the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership program (MEP), universities, NYS economic development organizations, and state programs, FuzeHub helps connect small to medium sized manufacturing companies with the solutions they need to overcome challenges to growth.
“Supporting New York’s manufacturers is vital to not only ensuring their long-term success, but to creating new economic opportunities in communities all throughout the State,” said Governor Cuomo. “FuzeHub is proving to be a unique resource available to our manufacturing companies that pools the very best of the State’s expertise to help entrepreneurs with technology commercialization, innovative solutions and business growth. I look forward to FuzeHub’s continued role in assisting businesses across the State build a stronger, reinvigorated New York.”
Rensselaer-based ThermoAura Inc. and Wilton-based Tech Valley Technologies both came to FuzeHub with specific needs and challenges they faced in their manufacturing businesses.
ThermoAura Inc.
ThermoAura Inc., founded in 2011, manufactures a high performing nano-enhanced thermo electric material. The company, which is currently building a 10-ton manufacturing facility on SUNY Albany’s East Campus, sought assistance with scaling up the operation from the lab to full scale.
FuzeHub engaged two MEP Centers (Center for Economic Growth and Hudson Valley Technology Development Center) to develop a multi-phase plan to assist with the design of the new plant and the sourcing of equipment required to meet the demand for its products. FuzeHub was also able to connect ThermoAura to a number of consultants with the appropriate background and experience to help with the engineering design, vendor selection, equipment sourcing, identification of environmental and OSHA regulations, site selection, work flow and process design, as well as contract negotiations.
“Getting the company to this point has not been easy”, said ThemoAura founder Dr. Rutvik Metha. “We thought that the transition from lab to commercial scale would be relatively simple however we found out that we needed the expertise that we connected to through FuzeHub.”
As a result of FuzeHub’s solutions, ThermoAura was able to select the appropriate facility; maximize the use of space and reduce operating expenses; establish the credibility needed to negotiate with vendors and other service providers, eliminating risk and increasing bargaining power; and identify and address the regulatory concerns and secure the necessary licenses and permits from local, state and national governing bodies.
“FuzeHub is clearly making an impact on our state’s manufacturers by providing direct, targeted assistance to businesses looking to grow,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “These regional success stories are just a sampling of the breadth of resources the FuzeHub initiative can offer manufacturing companies. We are hopeful more businesses will turn to FuzeHub to benefit from its valuable expertise and guidance.”
“FuzeHub relies on our vast network of experts to make these types of timely connections for companies who need business growth, technology commercialization and global competitiveness,” said Matt Watson, Director of Technology at Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation.
Tech Valley Technologies
Tech Valley Technologies (TVT), a veteran-owned small business located in Wilton which develops and manufactures realistic targets and training devices for the U.S. military, law enforcement and commercial markets, also came to FuzeHub seeking help.
TVT has partnered with large defense contractors on several military contracts to provide targetry for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, Special Forces, and related customers. In addition, TVT has been working directly with the U.S. Navy on the development of a manikin target to be utilized on personal watercraft and/or boats in various escalation of force training scenarios.
Prior to engaging with FuzeHub, TVT was sourcing its circuit boards to a contract manufacturer in California. FuzeHub representatives connected the company with Hudson Valley Technology Development Center (the Mid-Hudson MEP), and TVT now contracts these services with a New York based manufacturer in Fishkill. The closer proximity allows TVT to save time and provides a better communication platform for doing business.
“We are pleased to be working closely with our FuzeHub Regional Innovation Specialist and the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, both of which have done a great job advising, communicating and facilitating meetings with New York-based companies and contacts – many that we didn’t know even existed,” said Barbara Hodge, Sr. Vice President, Operations of Tech Valley Technologies, Inc. “Before this, we were often going out-of-state to obtain raw materials and talent. Having FuzeHub as part of our extended team has already made a real difference. They are helping us broaden our resources and capabilities locally, and helping us to successfully grow our high-tech manufacturing business in New York State. With FuzeHub and Governor Cuomo’s support of manufacturing in Upstate New York, TVT will be able to further develop and sell our products which will promote hiring and help grow our economy, locally and beyond.”
TVT is now in the process of opening up its manufacturing facility to another entrepreneurial manufacturer who also came to FuzeHub looking for support. The two companies, connected through the FuzeHub network, will be working together on a product line.
For more information on FuzeHub, please visit www.fuzehub.com or contact Laura Mann, Director of Strategy and Operations at [email protected].
About FuzeHub
FuzeHub is a new, federally funded initiative to better connect New York’s small and mid-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovative solutions and business growth. FuzeHub unites and integrates a broad network of multi-disciplinary public and private sector technology, industry and commercialization services, experts and partners. The initiative bridges the gap by providing fast access through a convenient, 24/7 online request service, numerous event opportunities for meeting with solution partners, and direct assistance from our Innovation Specialists team every step of the way. FuzeHub was initiated by the partnering of a state and federal program with support from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s NIST MEP and Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR)