Advanced Manufacturing

SWS Warning Lights Inc. (SWS) is a Canadian-based advanced manufacturing company that assembles safety warning lights for the construction industry. Their product is often found on snow plows, construction vehicles, and road construction signage. As SWS grew, they saw significant opportunities in the U.S. market, especially since their raw materials were being sourced from the U.S. An expansion to the U.S. would also help the company penetrate the larger U.S. market, establish a Made in the USA product, and reduce overall operating costs.

Viatran is a subsidiary of a publicly-traded, out-of state parent company, operating as a separate division in the Buffalo Niagara region. Viatran manufactures pressure sensors and transmitters, servicing a wide variety of industries. Viatran manufactures new products and repairs legacy product in a rapid response environment based on lean manufacturing and advanced electronic commerce capabilities. The company’s lease was coming due and at the same time the division was poised for a significant expansion, making their previous facility inadequate for the growing demand. The local leadership team was tasked with conducting a global search for the most appropriate venue to expand their operations, including other corporate facilities with capacity in Massachusetts, Texas, and Malaysia..

Sentient Science is a materials informatics software development company originally headquartered in Idaho. Founded in 2000, the company invented a testing technology that replaces the physical testing of materials and components used in the manufacture of helicopters, bridges, medical devices, wind turbines and other products. Sentient’s process uses simulators and sensors to determine how the materials will react under various stresses and determines when they will need replacement. Its sensors and software perform these tests in the virtual realm, saving clients time and money.

Surmet is a Massachusetts-based advanced materials manufacturer with operations in Buffalo. The company produces high-tech transparent ceramic powders and coatings used in aerospace and defense applications. Surmet was investing in new technology and equipment in order to consolidate its forming and heat-treating capabilities into one location where it would produce transparent ceramic windows, lenses and armor. For this expansion of capabilities, space, and workforce, Surmet considered several options including Buffalo Niagara and at its headquarters in Burlington, Massachusetts.

Incentives: Empire State Development Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit award, New York Power Authority expansion/retention power allocation, Erie County IDA sales tax abatement

Both Jim Terhune Sr. and his son, James Terhune Jr. followed a similar career path. They both joined the United States Army and then entered a career in the metal and steel business. Today, with over 60 years of combined experience, the two decided it was time to expand Jim Sr.’s business and have his son James Jr. join him. James Jr. led the process and began looking for communities that fit the company’s brand, sites that would suit their needs, and options that would lower startup costs.