Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - Fueled by a new, nearly $13 million contract with the Department of War, Niagara Falls high tech manufacturer, Americarb Inc., is planning a $29 million expansion that could see the company double its local workforce.
Americarb is proposing to add 50,000-square-feet to its plant at 6100 Niagara Falls Blvd. The expansion is Americarb's second in the past three years.
"This is an expansion that could have gone anywhere, but they are doing it here," said Andrea Klyczek, Niagara County Industrial Development Agency executive director.
The NCIDA has crafted a tax break package that was a key swing factor in Americarb opting to expand its Niagara Falls' plant.
Americarb can trace its corporate roots to Great Lakes Carbon Corp., a firm started by entrepreneur, the late George Skakel, father of the late Ethel Kennedy and grandfather to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health of Human Services.
"It does have an interesting history," Klyczek said.
Americarb produces high tech carbon and graphite products commonly used in the defense and aerospace industries.
An outreach to the company, made by NCIDA's Jeremy Geartz and Joseph Grenga led to the deal being reached.
"They were on our radar screen," Grenga said. "The timing worked out."
The expansion work should start by early next year.