Governor Cuomo Announces Eight Additional New York Companies to Start Producing COVID-19 Related Equipment and Supplies to Support In-State Needs
October 23, 2020
$4.9 Million in Incentives Awarded to Manufacturers Across the State Will Provide Faster and More Secure Access to Life-Saving Medical Products
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that eight additional Empire State companies have received support from New York to produce needed supplies to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. While New York currently has some of the lowest transmission rates in the United States, preparing for a second wave is vital to protecting essential healthcare workers and the public. These grant funds will help alleviate product shortages due to supply chain issues that could lead to unfair pricing practices. These companies will also increase the State's manufacturing capacity while creating new jobs and market opportunities. To date, more than $16 million in grants have been awarded to 28 qualifying New York-based companies to retool their business lines and pivot to manufacturing vital supplies for ongoing response and recovery efforts.
"During the pandemic, the nation learned the hard lesson of not having adequate and readily available supplies made in the United States. As a result, we had to scramble for live-saving products that are mainly manufactured overseas," Governor Cuomo said. "New York is building back better and our plan to move forward includes investing in the infrastructure that will keep us prepared and support local companies."
In March, Governor Cuomo asked companies with New York-based operations to retool production lines in order to manufacture approved COVID-19 critical supplies, such as ventilators, test kits and PPE, including N95 respirators, surgical masks, gowns and face shields. Governor Cuomo has already announced 20 companies for State investment to manufacture supplies to address COVID-19, eight of which were previously awarded $4 million to help make the products here in New York State.
"At a time when we were scouring the earth in search of personal protective equipment, New York State's manufacturers answered the call to support our COVID-19 frontline heroes," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "We are proud to support our innovative manufacturers who are stepping up to save lives and are a model for how we build back better for the post-pandemic future."
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, "New York State is home to many of the world's most innovative companies. ESD's support for these businesses not only answers Governor Cuomo's call for New York industries to assist with efforts to fight the coronavirus, but also reflects the investment that is being made to strengthen the State's manufacturing sector to adapt quickly to new market opportunities and continue its record of smart growth as we build back better."