Company to Invest $6M at Niagara Falls Plant for Carbon and Graphite Product Manufacturing

Plant Helps to Reduce New York’s Carbon Footprint by Providing Products Used to Produce Clean Hydrogen Fuel

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Americarb Inc., a leading global producer of carbon and graphite advanced materials, plans to add 45 jobs and invest $6 million in its Niagara Falls plant. The investment will be used to purchase and install new machinery and equipment utilized in the manufacturing of high temp composite material for the production of clean hydrogen and in aerospace and defense applications.

“Advanced manufacturing is a critical economic driver in New York State,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “By making this significant investment in the Niagara Falls plant, Americarb has now renewed its commitment to our region and workforce, making the facility a key part of the next generation of innovation in the clean energy and defense sectors. Most importantly, this expansion will help accelerate job growth throughout the region, which is laser-focused on the industries of tomorrow.”

Americarb Inc. manufactures ultra-high and high temperature composite material used in commercial and defense applications, as well as unique high temperature processing capabilities. The advanced carbon composites it manufacturers are stiffer and lighter than many metals and possess excellent strength properties that make them an effective alternative in high temperature applications. Its ultra-high strength composites can be used in applications exceeding 2,500 degrees Celsius.

Americarb Controller Mark Rawls said, “The expansion into this state-of-the-art facility marks a continuation of Americarb’s growth in New York State and is a pivotal milestone in taking our production of high temperature composite materials to the next level. Thanks in part to New York State, our new machinery will strengthen our output capacity in response to growing industry demands, while also building the networks of tomorrow.”

Recently, the Americarb plant, located at 6100 Niagara Falls Boulevard, has seen rapid growth in two markets that require its high temperature composite material. The first is fuel cell membranes for electrolyzers used in the production of green hydrogen. The fuel cell membrane makes up half of each completed fuel cell and is a key component to technology that allows the separation of hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) produce no harmful emissions and are generally between 40% to 60% energy efficient, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This range compares to the typical internal combustion engine of a car, which is about 25% energy efficient.

The second growing market is in aerospace and defense, as the composite material is used in hypersonic, strategic missile, and space launch systems programs. Hypersonic flight systems need to withstand temperatures of up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit during re-entry.  Americarb furnaces treat the parts to temperatures exceeding this requirement.

The project will include new machinery and equipment to meet these growing demands, as well as upgrading Americarb’s cybersecurity measures for government contracts. The expansion will add more high temperature furnaces, refrigerated cooling capacity and production equipment, including:

• Rayon washing, drying, coating, drying and continuous high heating furnace treating system.
• Two additional 96” furnaces for increased volume. 
• Abbot furnace to increase capacity.
• Upgrade the water-cooling system to keep the furnace heating coils cool.
• Install a guard building to provide around the clock security required for government contracts.
• Upgrade cybersecurity for government contracts.
• Pitch and resin impregnation system.
• Refrigerated room for storage of resin coated fabric and resin storage.
• Autoclave system of 500 degrees Fahrenheit to make 3-D hypersonic parts.
• 5 axis CNC machining center.

As a result of the project, Americarb has committed to creating up to 45 new jobs; 41 jobs will be retained. Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $450,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for job commitments.

Senator Robert Ortt said, “With its $6 million investment into the company’s Niagara Falls plant, Americarb is further committing to not only a new and cleaner method of manufacturing, but it is also committing its future to the residents and workers of our community. Along with the new machinery that will be purchased with this investment, 45 new, quality jobs will be created thanks to Americarb’s expansion. We continue to see incredible growth in our Niagara Falls thanks to our local industries’ well-placed faith in Niagara County’s workforce, and I look forward to Americarb being a valuable asset to our community for years to come.”

Assembly Member Angelo Morinello said, “I congratulate Americarb for expanding, while partnering with some of the leading companies in the world for solar and stationary fuel cell powered generation. Through these collaborations, the company has been able to develop solutions to lower costs and make the technologies for tomorrow’s green energy-fueled future a reality.”

City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino said, “As we continue to diversify our local economy, this financial assistance by ESD to retain and increase quality jobs at Americarb is a further example of the commitment of Governor Hochul to grow the Niagara Falls economy.  We appreciate the continued investment by Americarb in our City and their commitment to our community.”

For additional information about Americarb Inc, visit: https://www.americarb.com/.

About Empire State Development 

Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit 

www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

Contact:

Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309

Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239