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Toronto co. picks Tonawanda for U.S. HQ

by James Fink

 Electro Sonic of America LLC has leased 65,000-square-feet in the Riverview Solar Technology Park that will serve as the hub of its U.S. operations.

The Canadian electronics distributor has hired 55 people to work in the warehouse and distribution center. The company is investing $20 million in its Riverview expansion.

The deal came together thanks a series of handsome incentives offered by Empire State Development Corp. and some heavy pitch work by the Buffalo Niagara Enterprise. Electro Sonic’s local broker, Steve Blake from CB Richard Ellis/Buffalo, also played a key role.

“Electro Sonic is the most recent in a growing list of Canadian companies that wish to access the U.S. market and see the advantages of doing so in the Buffalo Niagara region,” said Tom Kucharski, Buffalo Niagara Enterprise president and chief executive officer.

Eric Taylor, Electro Sonic president, said the aggressive package put together from local officials helped sway his company’s decision.

“It allowed us to move from idea to action very quickly,” he said.

Electro Sonic Inc., headquartered in Toronto, distributes electronic components to more than 16,000 commercial and industrial customers, mostly manufacturers. The Riverview site will serve as its U.S. logistics center.

“This is a bold initiative during a global economic downturn,” Taylor said. “But, the time is now for us to act.”