Manufacturing support organization relocates to Ulster County

SUNY New Paltz students are gaining real-world, hands-on experience thanks to a partnership with the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center (HVTDC). The Center and its 11 employees and five engineering interns, who  recently moved locations from Newburgh to 180 South Street, Highland, provides consultation and growth services to regional small and mid-size manufacturing and early-stage technology companies, with a special focus on engineering and product development.

“Recruiting talented engineering interns from New Paltz benefits the Center and its clients, as well as the students,” said Tom Phillips, HVTDC Executive Director and a member of the SUNY New Paltz School of Science & Engineering Advisory Board.

The Center’s move to Highland, said Phillips, will provide HVTDC better access to the College’s student talent and resources, including the Hudson Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center (HVAMC). The HVAMC provides prototyping work to many of HVTDC’s clients. HVTDC student interns work directly on client projects with staff guidance, and have gone on to positions within the organization and regional manufacturing/technology firms.

“This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for New Paltz students but also for regional manufacturing and technology companies that will now have access to a local, talented pool of resources, located close to the College and under the supervision of experienced engineering and manufacturing talents at HVTDC,” said Everton H. Henriques ’78 ’83g (Chemistry), a former Foundation Board member and member of the SUNY New Paltz School of Science & Engineering Advisory Board.

The move also positions HVTDC to help identify and work with potential clients who might also setup operations in its new location and apply to the College for inclusion in the state’s START-UP NY program. A company under the program that occupies vacant space in the same facility will be in close proximity to HVTDC and well-positioned to take advantage of the organization’s support services.

“HVTDC’s new location enhances our continued collaboration and increases the possibility that we select a company that wants to partner under START-UP NY as well,” said Richard Winters, community & government relations associate, and New Paltz’s START-UP NY campus contact.

According to Winters, New Paltz’s campus plan seeks partnerships with businesses that align with the College’s mission and that will enrich academic programs. The plan calls for opportunities for faculty and student involvement through enhanced research opportunities and internships, and the likelihood of hiring appropriately educated and qualified New Paltz graduates.

Because of campus space shortages, prospective business participants applying to SUNY New Paltz for sponsorship in START-UP NY are encouraged to work with commercial real estate agents or other sources to identify appropriate off-campus sites that may align with business needs. According to college officials, use of such off-campus space will be negotiated between the prospective business participant and the property owner; it is expected in these instances that no property would come off the property-tax rolls, but the company could take advantage of other tax benefits of the program.

For more information about the START-UP NY program and to submit an inquiry, please visit: http://startup-ny.com/ or www.esd.ny.gov.