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Filtran to Expand Facility and Create 30 New Jobs in Ogdensburg, NY

In May, Filtran, Inc., announced it will create 30 new jobs and retain all 16 workers over the next three years. The company is a subsidiary of API Electronics Inc. and manufactures transformers, inductors, filters, coils and power supplies used by the military, aerospace, telecommunications and rail industry.

"Businesses are the backbone of New York State's economy," says Chairman Gargano. "Filtran and its parent company's decision to grow Upstate is an example of how Governor Pataki's policies have helped companies continue to prosper in New York State. Governor Pataki is committed to providing all manufacturers' with the right environment to remain competitive and grow in today's marketplace. This type of support, along with pro-business incentives will create jobs for the people of New York."

Filtran will invest $530,500 to expand its operation and perform work for another API subsidiary, TM Systems, Inc. currently of Bridgeport, CT at its Ogdensburg facility. In addition, rapid growth at Filtran Limited in Canada will require the transfer of various product lines to Filtran's Ogdensburg facility.

For Filtran to expand its current operation, the company needs to become ISO9001-2000 certified, install new machinery and equipment, and complete leasehold improvements.

"Ogdensburg is a great place to do business. Working together with the city of Ogdensburg and the state will be a major factor in the continued success of Filtran and API Electronics," says Arnie Markowitz, Executive Vice President of Filtran Inc.

"This is a prime example of a successful private-public partnership that will benefit Filtran, its employees, the Ogdensburg community, and the state," says Senator Jim Wright. "Ogdensburg continues to be a successful location for job creation, because of Mayor Nelson's commitment to cooperation. Working with Governor Pataki, state, county, and local agencies combine to continue growth and job creation in the North Country. We are proud to be a partner in these efforts."

"This is the kind of positive job news the North County needs," says Assemblyman Darrel J. Aubertine. "Any time a business decides to expand, our community becomes stronger. This is a step in the right direction for not only Ogdensburg but also the North Country's economy."

In addition to promoting sound economic programs and initiatives to help manufacturers and other businesses succeed, Governor Pataki has proposed an aggressive new plan specifically designed to strengthen New York's manufacturers. As part of his plan, he recently unveiled a new targeted manufacturing job-training assistance program—NY SMART—which will provide manufacturers with the support they need to maintain and enhance the skills of their employees. The Governor has also announced another critical element of his manufacturing plan — dramatic new reforms to the state's workers' compensation system that would reduce workers' compensation costs for businesses by more than 15%. The new reforms come on top of the historic workers' compensation reforms the Governor fought to achieve in 1996, which already have reduced costs by nearly 30% on average.

Other key components of the Governor's new manufacturing plan include providing a new "Single Sales Factor" tax benefit for manufacturers; extending the highly successful Power for Jobs program; and creating a new Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) that will coordinate federal, state, and local assistance programs and will link manufacturing companies to the appropriate research and development grant funding.

Due to the slowdown in the telecommunication industry over the past several years, Filtran has slowly decreased in size from 100 employees to its current workforce of 16. The recent purchase by API Electronic is providing an opportunity for Filtran to expand its operation by consolidating a similar operation API owns in Connecticut, to Filtran's New York facility. In addition, Filtran Limited's rapid growth in Canada will require the transfer of various product lines to Ogdensburg.

In consideration of this company's investment in New York State, Filtran, Inc. is eligible to apply to Empire State Development for an $80,000 capital grant to help defray the cost of leasehold improvements and new machinery and equipment. The offer was accepted on February 25, 2004. The company will also be eligible for a $150,000 loan from the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency (Greater Massena Growth Fund) and a $100,000 loan from the City of Ogdensburg Growth Fund.