FuzeHub introduction leads to impactful relationship strengthening two New York manufacturers
ORISKANY, N.Y. – Last year, FuzeHub, the statewide center for the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NY MEP), had to pause all of its live, in-person events. The pandemic-induced cancelations of trade shows and events like FuzeHub’s highly impactful Solutions Forums created a gap for many manufacturers, which often rely on in-person meetings and networking to develop new relationships with customers and suppliers.
While it continued to provide direct services to manufacturers, FuzeHub recognized the need to develop digital solutions that could fill the need for events and spontaneous interaction. It held its first-ever Virtual Solutions Forum last summer. It sparked a number of new connections for manufacturers across the state – and for two manufacturers in particular, it has had a major impact.
Square One Coating Systems, an Oriskany-based manufacturer that specializes quick-turn deliveries of high-quality coating solutions, connected with Amphenol IPC, an Endicott-based global provider of power distribution and interconnect solutions with applications across several industries.
When FuzeHub’s team saw both Square One and Amphenol IPC had registered for the Virtual Solutions Forum, they reached out to both companies in advance of the event to facilitate an introduction.
“Based on our knowledge of what both manufacturers do and the information they provided when registering for the event, our team recognized an opportunity to build a relationship that would be beneficial to Square One and Amphenol IPC,” said FuzeHub Executive Director Elena Garuc.
Square One was actively looking for manufacturers in need of its products and expert capabilities in specialized coating for metal products. The pandemic and economic conditions preceding it had negatively affected some of its large customers.
Meanwhile, Amphenol IPC was interested in finding regional supplier solutions that could provide fast product deliveries to keep pace with its manufacturing needs. Disruptions caused by the pandemic had become a challenge for some of its suppliers.
Since that first introduction, Square One and Amphenol IPC have built a relationship that has lifted both companies. Today, Square One has seen significant growth because of its ability to consistently meet Amphenol IPC’s supply needs, and Amphenol IPC has bolstered its supply chain by working with a regional manufacturer that is within a short drive.
As a result, Square One Coating has hired three people and retained about 22 jobs that may have been threatened by customer issues amid the pandemic. It is currently looking to hire for about five jobs to fill a variety of needs.
“We’re incredibly proud to work with Amphenol IPC, a global manufacturer that drives innovation in several industries,” said Square One President Lloyd Ploof. “The introduction through FuzeHub has led to a relationship that has helped drive our growth. We work hard to prove our capabilities, meet the needs of our customers and exceed their expectations. However, before we can show our partners what we can do, it needs to start with a door opening – and that’s why FuzeHub’s support has been so important.”
“In my role with Amphenol IPC, I’m constantly looking for solutions to make our company stronger and help it grow,” said Jeffrey Knight, Director of Operations for Amphenol Interconnect Products. “Recognizing the value FuzeHub provides manufacturers in New York State, we were excited about the Virtual Solutions Forum and learning about more ways they might be able to assist. We didn’t expect it would so quickly result in a reliable supplier relationship – but we’re grateful it did. The relationship with Square One Coating has been a big help, especially for our facilities in New York.”
FuzeHub often works with small and mid-sized manufacturers to provide referrals, make supply chain connections and facilitate introductions that could lead to business opportunities. The Albany-based organization maintains a statewide Knowledge Base, a proprietary database of private-sector manufacturing and technology companies that can serve as potential suppliers, vendors or customers, for use by its trained Matching Specialist team.
“We want New York State-based manufacturers to get to know us – reach out and let us know what you do and what you need,” FuzeHub’s Garuc said. “We’re here to help, and we’re always looking for ways to make connections and ignite new growth and job creation for manufacturers.”
Supported by NYSTAR (Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation), the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a network of 11 organizations – 10 regional centers and FuzeHub, the statewide center. The NY MEP network helps manufacturers solve problems, accelerate growth and create jobs. The network is leading the statewide NY MEP COVID Recovery Initiative, which will support manufacturers in recovering from the pandemic and strengthening their future competitiveness and resilience. To learn more about this multifaceted manufacturing recovery program, visit this link.
About FuzeHub
FuzeHub is a nonprofit organization that connects New York’s small and mid-sized manufacturing companies to the resources, programs and expertise they need for technology commercialization, innovation, and business growth. Through its custom assessment, matching, and referral platform, FuzeHub helps companies navigate New York’s robust network of industry experts at Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers, universities, economic development organizations, and other providers. FuzeHub is the statewide New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program center, supported by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology & Innovation (NYSTAR). For more information, visit www.fuzehub.com.
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