News release
WATERTOWN, NY – Through an agreement for leased office space and access to energy infrastructure services, New York Air Brake LLC (NYAB) is supporting Convalt Energy Inc. (Convalt) as it launches operations in Watertown. The deal is further demonstration of NYAB’s continued commitment to business growth in Watertown and Jefferson County.
“As a long-term Watertown employer, it’s important to ensure a growing business community by helping another firm establish its roots in the area,” said Ulisses Camilo, NYAB president and CEO. “Watertown and Jefferson County are good places to live and work. This area has been our home for over 130 years and we are pleased to lend our support to Convalt as they establish a firm footing in the area.”
The one-year agreement includes office space in the historic building known as the “Powerhouse” on NYAB’s Starbuck Avenue campus. Convalt will also have access to the high-voltage switch station that supplies power to the current NYAB site. Both have been part of NYAB’s operations for decades.
Camilo noted that the arrangement involves a secondary, unused property on NYAB’s campus and has no impact on its current operations. The company will retain its headquarters and engineering center, as well as all primary manufacturing and warehouse space at 748 Starbuck Avenue.
Convalt Energy Inc., a New York City-based renewable energy company, announced its plans to build a solar panel manufacturing plant at the proposed business park near Watertown International Airport in February. The company currently occupies warehouse and limited manufacturing operations on Starbuck Avenue in Watertown, near the NYAB campus.
“As we explored options for our initial phase of operations in Watertown, we approached NYAB with the proposal to lease space and energy,” said Hari Achuthan, Convalt’s President & CEO. “The team at NYAB has made us feel welcome and was highly collaborative every step of the way. They’re a good neighbor and we appreciate the cooperation we’ve received. We are looking forward to working together with NYAB on sustainable projects.”
David Zembiec, chief executive officer of Jefferson County Economic Development, said, “New York Air Brake has once again proved its commitment as an active corporate citizen in the Watertown community and Jefferson County at large. They enthusiastically entered into this agreement to help our area bring new jobs and new industries to the region. This kind of engagement allows us to continue our plan for regional growth.”
About New York Air Brake LLC
New York Air Brake LLC (NYAB), a member of Munich, Germany-based Knorr-Bremse, develops and supplies leading-edge air brake control systems and components, electronically controlled braking systems, foundation brakes, training simulators and train handling systems, and wayside equipment to the rail industry. An industry pioneer since 1890, our over 850 team members have a deep customer commitment that fuels us to deliver solutions for improved rail performance, safety, and overall operating cost. New York Air Brake is headquartered in Watertown, New York, with manufacturing plants in Acuña, Mexico; Nixa, Missouri; Riverside, Missouri; Salisbury, North Carolina; West Chicago, Illinois; and Wheatland, Missouri; along with Train Dynamic Systems (TDS), a technology development unit located in Irving, Texas. For more information, visit www.nyab.com. To learn more about career opportunities at NYAB, please visit www.nyabcareers.com.
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