WATERTOWN — The parent company of New York Air Brake, LLC (NYAB) in Watertown will pay for a renovation project at the Watertown Urban Mission Food Pantry. NYAB announced the $205,000 project in a news release. The project seeks to improve the pantry’s ability to serve a “growing number” of North Country families in need. […]
WATERTOWN — The parent company of New York Air Brake, LLC (NYAB) in Watertown will pay for a renovation project at the Watertown Urban Mission Food Pantry.
NYAB announced the $205,000 project in a news release.
The project seeks to improve the pantry’s ability to serve a “growing number” of North Country families in need.
Knorr-Bremse Global Care, a charity established by NYAB’s parent company, approved the firm’s project proposal.
NYAB, a global manufacturer of train-control systems for the railroad industry and member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, employs 450 workers at its headquarters in Watertown.
The firm generated about $290 million in revenue in 2013 and is projecting $285 million in 2014, according to CNYBJ Research.
Based in Munich, Germany, Knorr-Bremse is a manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles.
Knorr-Bremse established the charity Global Care in 2005 to assist people in need all around the world.
Knorr-Bremse Global Care has implemented 130 aid projects in 42 countries since its founding, helping more than 350,000 people on four continents, according to NYAB.
The Watertown Urban Mission offers lifelines to thousands of area families and individuals when they need it most, Michael Hawthorne, NYAB president, said in the news release.
“As the food pantry continues to serve growing numbers of people facing difficult times, we need to ensure a modern, safe, and efficient facility that is sustainable, comfortable, and provides a welcoming, dignified experience for those seeking help. We’re grateful to Knorr-Bremse Global Care for its leadership,” Hawthorne said.
The renovations will include creation of private-meeting areas for assistance interviews and nutrition-education programs; installation of more efficient heating and cooling systems, including new ductwork; replacement of the electrical systems; drywall and insulation to improve energy efficiency and climate control; and a new loading area with counters and storage for processing donations and food-bank deliveries, according to NYAB.
The upgrades seek to reduce expenses and allow the program to handle growing demand. The pantry will also be able to “more efficiently” keep food at proper temperatures and to better store nonperishable foods “to preserve quality and retain nutrients,” NYAB said.
Knorr-Bremse Global Care expects to complete the renovation project this September.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com