POUGHKEEPSIE – Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. has awardedSono-Tek, a high-tech manufacturer located in Milton, a $100,000 economic development grant under its Wired Innovations program.
During challenging economic times, Sono-Tek has expanded its Milton (Ulster County) facility and invested in high-technology platforms that have helped create and retain 78 local high-tech jobs.
“The new high-tech manufacturing space and equipment allows us to develop and build precision coating machine platforms of much larger size and complexity,” Steve Harshbarger, president of Sono-Tek said. “As well, the equipment investments made for the business development program allow for several outsourced manufacturing operations to be brought in house to our Milton, NY facility. This has resulted in growing our knowledge base workforce, adding engineers, precision machinists and technicians.”
Sono-Tek has developed and manufactured ultrasonic coating systems serving the energy, medical, and semiconductor industry for 45 years. Through its $555,000 investment, the company completed facility expansions, warehouse and office space renovations and purchased high-tech manufacturing equipment that will enable their continued growth in the Mid-Hudson Valley. As an essential business, Sono-Tek continued operating and manufacturing ultra-coating systems used in the development and testing of disinfectant spray systems supporting the COVID-19 response.
“The current economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant rise in unemployment and affected local industries. This underscores the importance of supporting projects that increase regional manufacturing capacity and create well-paying permanent jobs that help sustain our economy,” said Anthony Campagiorni, vice president of Customers Services & Gas Operations at Central Hudson.
For more information on Central Hudson’s Economic Development programs, visitwww.CentralHudson.com/EconomicDevelopment.