Solar Vehicle Cover Manufacturer Purchased a 150,000-Square-Foot Facility in the Town of West Seneca
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Worksport Ltd. has purchased and has further plans to develop a $15.7 million state-of-the-art facility to manufacture the company’s products in the Town of West Seneca. The company is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange under the symbol “WKSP”. With the purchase, Worksport plans on creating multiple jobs in the area by bringing its production back to North America. The company produces tonneau and SOLIS tonneau covers for pickup trucks. Worksport is also dedicated to pursuing clean energy solutions through the purchase of the facility.
“Governor Hochul’s dedication to attracting small businesses, by supporting forward-thinking companies like Worksport Ltd., will continue to strengthen the economy and create high-quality jobs in Erie County and across the state,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “As Worksport’s first U.S. production facility, this project will solidify the company’s investment within New York State, help foster innovation and green technology, and provide the potential for even more jobs in the future.”
Mr. Steven Rossi, Chief Executive of the Company said, “We are looking forward to bringing our manufacturing back to North America, and especially in New York. We are grateful and New York has been very good to the company. We are looking forward, with this facility, to do extremely exciting things.”
In order to grow its market share in the clean tech industry, the company purchased and plans to renovate a 152,847-square-foot building located at 2500 N. American Drive in West Seneca to manufacture its tonneau and SOLIS tonneau covers, as well as its Terravis system. Not only does Worksport produce the SOLIS tonneau covers but it has also been developing a hybrid energy system named Terravis. Terravis is being developed as portable solar power generation system capable of forming personal microgrids for pickup trucks. This system consists of the company’s SOLIS cover with an additional COR system (portable power station).
The $15.7 million project includes building acquisition, equipment purchases and building renovation costs. It is expected to create 28 jobs over the next 5 years, with salaries ranging from $35,000 to $65,000. ESD will provide Worksport Ltd. up to $280,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in exchange for job creation commitments. Supporting clean tech efforts like this is a priority for New York State and aligns with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of reducing gas emissions 40% by 2030.
Worksport expects to be operational in the new space by spring 2023. Additional information about Worksport Ltd. can be found here.
Tom Kucharski, President & CEO, Invest Buffalo Niagara said, “We are excited to welcome Worksport to Buffalo Niagara and enjoyed working with the company through the cross-border due diligence process in expanding to our community. Our region continues to show itself as a natural front door to the American market for Canadian companies and one prepared to capture significant job creation opportunities.”
Senator Patrick Gallivan said, “"I congratulate Worksport Ltd. on choosing West Seneca for its U.S. production facility and thank company leaders for their investment and confidence in New York State. Bringing new companies to Western New York and creating quality job opportunities for residents is critical to building the region's economy."
Assembly Member Pat Burke said, “I am thrilled to welcome Worksport to our West Seneca community, as small businesses are essential for a strong regional economy. The fact that Worksport is also working diligently in the clean tech industry makes this a win-win for West Seneca and Western New York.”
County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Erie County is proud to partner with New York State in efforts to onshore manufacturing to New York from China, and our joint effort to bring Worksport Ltd., a Canadian based company, to West Seneca demonstrates that our efforts are paying off. Utilizing $280,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from New York, and $103,562 in tax breaks from the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Worksport Ltd. will invest more than $15 million in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, thereby creating 28 new jobs by bringing production back to the U.S. from China. This clean tech company is growing and could have gone anywhere, but thanks to Governor Hochul they have a new home in Erie County and we welcome them here.”
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