UTICA, N.Y. — Metal Solutions Inc., a Utica manufacturer, recently installed a new state-of-the-art powder-coating system at its Broad Street plant that will increase productivity. Metal Solutions received a $100,000 economic-development grant from National Grid’s Electric Capital Investment Incentive program, according to a news release from the electricity and gas utility company. Metal Solutions had […]
UTICA, N.Y. — Metal Solutions Inc., a Utica manufacturer, recently installed a new state-of-the-art powder-coating system at its Broad Street plant that will increase productivity.
Metal Solutions received a $100,000 economic-development grant from National Grid’s Electric Capital Investment Incentive program, according to a news release from the electricity and gas utility company.
Metal Solutions had previously used a smaller, manually operated system that limited production at the metal-fabrication plant. As a result, work was outsourced, leading to longer turnaround times and issues with quality control and logistics, National Grid noted.
Metal Solutions, with encouragement from its customers, installed a system that included an automated powder-coat booth, new part-wash system, conveyors, environment chamber, powder-recovery system, a 25-ton chiller, and additional support equipment. In order to incorporate the new system into its plant, Metal Solutions needed to upgrade its electric service to 60 kilowatts and 1,600 amperes.
“National Grid economic development incentives are catalysts that promote growth,” said Alberto Bianchetti, regional director of customer and community engagement for National Grid. “Supporting Metal Solutions gives the company the tools it needs to grow and serve its customers in ways it couldn’t previously.”
The new machinery allows Metal Solutions to meet increasing demands from its current customers and greater capacity to serve new clients, the release stated. By increasing its electric service, the company is also able to expand and upgrade other equipment in future years.
“Metal Solutions would like to thank National Grid for their excellent support on this project,” Cathy Thiaville, CEO of Metal Solutions, said. “We are grateful for all of their efforts, not only the financial assistance, but also the support of the teams that assisted with the implementation.”
Metal Solutions produces components for the mass transit, HVAC/R, metal-cabinetry and furniture, lighting, and air-filtration industries. The family-owned company, founded in 1954, employs more than 125 employees at its Broad Street plant.
Since 2003, National Grid’s 18 economic-development programs have provided more than $125 million in assistance, helping to create or retain more than 60,000 jobs, and supporting almost $10 billion in private and public investment across upstate New York, the utility said.