Edwards Vacuum is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, abatement solutions, and related value-added services. They have their North American headquarters in Niagara County. At that headquarters, they employ close to 200 people, ramping up exponentially in the last five or so years. The focus is on continuous improvement and employee development, similar to the parent company, Atlas Copco Worldwide. Edwards Vacuum first moved to Grand Island. When Edwards Vacuum was strengthening its operations and presence in the North American market, they decided to headquarter in Niagara country and moved in to their present location in 2012. They were seeing about 90 percent of their business coming from within the United States. The move made sense.
Andrea Klyczek (left), NCIDA, and Turgay Ozan (right), president, Edwards Vacuum LLC
A Canadian facility moving or expanding into Niagara County is a story often told. Canadian companies can feel the burden of shipping over the border costs. They are sometimes outside of the county of their main market. Often, their sales are hurt because they aren’t produced in the United States.
BorderWorx Logisitcs is a perfect example. They are a Canadian logistics company that recently expanded into the U.S., choosing Niagara County for their location. The ribbon cutting was just last month.
Niagara County’s geography makes it a perfect destination for Canadian companies looking to put a foot on each side of the border. The county has access to three international bridges. They also allow for a “Made In The U.S.A” label on product, which has consistently driven sales. The Buffalo Niagara region is within a 10-hour drive of major North American markets up the east coast, as far west as Chicago, south as Washington D.C. and north to cover a significant portion of Ontario.
Niagara County has proven repeatedly that it makes sense.
What we learned in Niagara County
Over the past few weeks, we at InBN have pounded the pavement in preparation and celebration of Economic Development Week, May 8-13. We’ve reached out to each of our eight counties, visiting our IDA partners, and touring economic development projects of impact in the area. This is what we learned in Niagara County:
Power is premium
When you think of Niagara County, your mind likely first goes to an image of the mighty Falls, with water gushing over the top and dropping with immense power. And you’re right to do so. Having one of the Natural Wonders of the World right in our backyard is incredible.
While the juxtaposition of grace and authority is quite a sight to see, Niagara Falls also presents a utilitarian purpose and advantage for the Buffalo Niagara region. About 20 percent of the fresh water in the U.S. passes over Niagara Falls. It gives us access to abundant affordable hydropower. Low cost hydropower has been reserved by New York State Law for companies planning to expand or build in the Buffalo Niagara region. Allocations depend on the project size and scope, in particular, new job creation. The program is administered through New York Power Authority (NYPA) and allocated through an application process. Niagara also has access to large water aquifers, municipal sewers, and waste water treatment facilities.
Not a bad sight to see, either
Yes, Niagara Falls can propel your business to success with its incentives and power. But let’s not forget the sight that it is to see. It doesn’t stop at the Falls, either. The entire area of Niagara County is focused on tourism. Lockport and Lewiston have beautiful views as well. A new trolley that is currently free takes you across the sights to see and can take you all the way out to Youngstown. The trolley has been a success so far.
The Buffalo Billion II is also putting resources into Niagara County. They plan to revitalize the waterfront activities on the American side of the Falls. The combination of efforts from a municipal and state level will certainly yield success, signs of which are already showing. It’s a good time to visit Niagara County. But then again, when isn’t it?
Photos (and gif) by Casi Hall