By DAN HEATH
PLATTSBURGH — SpencerARL NY was ceremonially welcomed to Plattsburgh Wednesday.
SpencerARL CEO Nebe Tamburro said he's been part of building 50 plants in seven countries, including the Plattsburgh facility in Air Industrial Park.
"Although I have opened many plants in my career, Plattsburgh is becoming the most memorable," he said.
It is hoped Plattsburgh can be a base for continued expansion to other mass-transportation manufacturers in New York and the United States.
SpencerARL manages 230 minor subassemblies that are part of 152 major subassembly operations for Nova Bus. It also performs sequencing operations and minute-to-minute deliveries that help Nova Bus minimize warehousing.
Tamburro said the 42,000-square-foot plant is only twomiles from Nova Bus, which made it a perfect location to do that work.
Training funding was a big part of getting the company started, he said.
Joseph Rabito, director of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, said it was a great day for the town and city of Plattsburgh, Clinton County and the state of New York.
The company received $405,000 in funding from his agency to help train its work force. Rabito urged the company to ask for more money, because that would mean they are creating more jobs.
Steve Hunt, representing New York Gov. David Paterson, read a letter recognizing a meaningful day for the Plattsburgh community. He said SpencerARL has already proven to be a resource to the community, with 37 jobs created since the facility opened in January.
"We certainly recognize the value and vast economic opportunity this brings," Hunt read.
Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Bernie Bassett said it was just the latest in a series of exciting days lately.
"We do have momentum. We are creating jobs."
That is thanks to a collaboration between local municipalities, the County of Clinton Industrial Development Agency, The Development Corp., the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce, Clinton County, Empire State Development and work force development entities.
"I'm proud to keep hearing this community is able to provide a skilled, trained work force," Bassett said.
Plattsburgh Mayor Donald Kasprzak said he's pleased the company was able to be included in the City of Plattsburgh Empire Zone, now being administered by The Development Corp.
"The bottom line is the success of ventures like this is regional," he said. "The only way we are going to succeed is if we work together."
State Sen. Betty Little didn't speak, but later said she was pleased to welcome the company to Plattsburgh.
"I'm really pleased they selected Plattsburgh, and know they won't be sorry."
E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com
