August 2012 - Empire State Development - New York State

Market:
ESD Involvement:
Competition:
Past ESD Support:
MechoShade Systems location in NYS is important to maintain its position
as leader in the industry. Major clients include: Goldman Sachs
headquarters, NY and London, UK; Hess Oil, Houston, Texas; and
MGM/City Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Some of MechoShade competitors
are: Hunter-Douglas, Pearl River, NJ; Draper, Inc., Spiceland, Indiana; and
Levolor, Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2006, the Company approached ESD for financial assistance to
renovate and equip a former manufacturing building into the Company’s
corporate headquarters. Keeping its presence in NYS is vital to sustaining
the Company’s growth, retaining its NYC workforce, and to maintain its
proximity to architectural firms. As a result, ESD offered a $600,000
Empire State Economic Development Fund capital grant that was
accepted in July 2006.
The Company considered relocating to New Jersey or Connecticut.
This is the Company’s first project with ESD.
B. The Project
Completion: March 2012
Activity:
The project involves the renovation of a 93-year-old 46,000 square-foot
manufacturing building into the Company’s corporate offices. The
renovated facility supports corporate operations, sales, customer service,
and engineering and design functions. Highlights of the building’s
renovations include a 26.48kW photovoltaic electrical system, white
roofing, fully automated and zoned HVAC system, elevator, automated
dimming and solar shading. The building is expected to achieve a LEED
Gold certification later this year.
Results: As a result of the project, the Company has retained 119 jobs including 1
Full time Contract Employee and will create 38 new jobs including up to 3
Full time Contract positions.
Grantee Contact:
ESD Project No.:
Norman E. Rathfelder, CFO
42-03 35 th Street
Long Island City, NY 11101
Phone: (718) 729-2020
Fax: (718) 729-2941
U331
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