Expected to Support More Than 200 Businesses, Create Over 500 Jobs
Center is Cornerstone of the Futureworks NYC Advanced Manufacturing Initiative, Key Component of Mayor de Blasio’s Industrial Policy
SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced that industry leader TechShop has been selected to operate a more than 15,000 square foot advanced manufacturing center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park. This shared workspace will provide makers and other small manufacturing firms with affordable access to 21st century equipment, as well as access to a suite of support services.
The advanced manufacturing center is the cornerstone of Futureworks NYC, a network of programs and resources to support the advanced manufacturing sector in New York City, create high-skilled production jobs, and increase competitiveness for existing manufacturing companies. The new center is expected to create more than 500 jobs in the first 5 years, attract $200 million in investment, and help launch more than 200 new industrial businesses.
TechShop – the largest and most experienced operator of open-access makerspaces in the world – has helped launch hundreds of businesses responsible for thousands of jobs, and with a combined worth over $6 billion. TechShop currently operates in 12 cities worldwide: San Jose, Redwood City, San Francisco, Phoenix, Detroit, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Austin, Washington D.C., Paris, Abu Dhabi, and Tokyo.
“We launched Futureworks to ensure the greatest city in the world remains the greatest place to make things and to grow a 21st century industrial business,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This advanced manufacturing center is the linchpin of our Futureworks initiatives, and we couldn't be more excited that TechShop is bringing their global experience and expertise to make sure it's a tremendous success.”
“We are experiencing a manufacturing renaissance in New York City that is driven by the talents of our creative entrepreneurs, makers, and inventors,” said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. “Our new partnership with TechShop will democratize access to the state of the art tools, equipment, and workspaces necessary to not just support our city's manufacturers but also position New York City at the forefront of advancing manufacturing.”
“We are thrilled to be bringing TechShop to New York City,” said Dan Woods, CEO of TechShop. “TechShop’s vast experience in safely and effectively managing world-renowned makerspaces will enable Futureworks NYC to fuel the birth of new products, companies and jobs and to deliver transformational experiences to the people and communities of Brooklyn.”
“This is another important step to expand opportunities in Sunset Park’s industrial sector, creating good paying local jobs,” Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez. “I’m excited that TechShop will be bringing additional resources to help further fuel economic activity in our community.”
“I am proud Sunset Park's Brooklyn Army Terminal is a cornerstone of New York City's advanced manufacturing revolution,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca. Our protection of manufacturing zones and our investments in infrastructure must be coupled with innovative business practices. I am especially pleased to see Futureworks NYC include direct grants for start-ups along with practical assistance for existing manufacturers. To succeed at BAT, the innovators who will build New York's advanced manufacturing future need Sunset Park's skilled labor. The Futureworks NYC initiative provides resources for a proven industry leader like TechShop to support growth, and workforce development. I will judge the value delivered by Futureworks NYC by both economic impact and to what extent local workers share the benefits of growth.”
“SBIDC is excited and proud to welcome TechShop and the Advanced Manufacturing Center to Southwest Brooklyn,” said David D. Meade, Executive Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation. “The manufacturing sector is critical to the Southwest Brooklyn economy, and the economy of New York City as a whole, and we are happy to see the City making a major investment in the future of manufacturing, right here in our neighborhood. As the organization working closely with Southwest Brooklyn’s industrial sector, we look forward to working with the new tenants of the Advanced Manufacturing Center, and helping to create good jobs for local residents.”
“Brooklyn’s waterfront is already one of the leading innovation corridors in the country, and TechShop will be an incredible addition,” said Carlo A. Scissura, President and CEO, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “Providing companies with space and access to the best equipment for a fraction of the cost will further enhance the environment of creativity and advanced manufacturing that is thriving in Sunset Park. Congratulations to Mayor Bill de Blasio, Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen and NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer.”
In addition to the advanced manufacturing center, other components of Futureworks NYC include:
Virtual Incubator: Services to support the launch of product start-ups in the City and to encourage local production and supply chains as they scale.
Business Extension Services: Services to provide assistance helping traditional manufacturing firms learn about and adopt new technology.
Existing Space Activation: Services through partnerships with existing research, prototyping and fabrication, and production facilities to expand their capacity to broaden access to equipment to users such as start-ups, manufacturers and entrepreneurs.
Futureworks Growth Initiative: Grants that offset costs for advanced manufacturing startups establishing new operations.
Advisory Body: Thought-leaders, manufacturers and entrepreneurs who actively contribute to the direction and momentum of the overall initiative.
Futureworks.nyc: A digital resource connecting the dots on New York City’s services, spaces and events dedicated to advanced manufacturing.
Futureworks NYC was first announced in November of 2015 as part of Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito’s ten-point action plan to grow industrial and manufacturing jobs. The City’s action plan for the industry will help ensure that both longstanding businesses and new firms have the space to evolve and expand, preserving and creating good jobs in New York City.
The new and current investments will generate more than 20,000 new jobs and support the city’s existing 530,000 manufacturing and industrial jobs, which represent 15.4 percent of the city’s private sector workforce. The sector is an important pathway to the middle class for many families, with median wages of $50,400 a year. In addition, more than 328,000 jobs in the sector (61.5 percent) are located outside Manhattan, 62 percent of the workforce comes from culturally diverse backgrounds, and nearly half are foreign-born. And approximately 63 percent of industrial and manufacturing sector jobs are available to individuals who do not have a college degree.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) is the City's primary vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs. NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an advocate to the business community by building relationships with companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many opportunities. Find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, or visit our blog to learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
About TechShop, Inc.
Founded in October 2006, TechShop is a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio that provides access to a vibrant community of creative makers and more than $1 million worth of equipment, tools, and software. Based in San Jose, Calif., with locations nationwide, TechShop offers classes, workshops, instruction, and training for people of all ages and skill levels to build whatever they can dream. For information on memberships and course listings, visit www.techshop.com, brooklyn@techshop.com or call 855-TECHSHOP. You can follow TechShop on Twitter at @TechShop and on Facebook as TechShop Incorporated. TechShop currently offers a number of investment opportunities. For more information, or to RSVP for one of our upcoming live webinars, visit invest.techshop.com.