LATHAM and SLINGERLANDS – Plug Power will move its headquarters from Latham to the Vista Technology Park in Slingerlands, consolidating its operations at its Slingerlands facility, which now stands at 407,000 square feet. This facility was built for $125 million and opened in January 2023. The company, which develops mobile hydrogen fuel systems and green hydrogen fuel solutions, will move more jobs to the Slingerlands site.
According to a brief from Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh, the company’s move will be implemented over the next year in a phased technique that will not disrupt the company’s operations. Kevin O’Connor, director and CEO of the Advance Albany County Alliance, said that as of December 2023, another 894 people were hired at the Vista site.
The cities of Bethlehem and Colony have not been notified in advance about the move and know few details, adding how many workers will be affected or when Plug Power will leave the 111,405-square-foot 968 Albany Shaker Road in Latham. Colony Town manager Peter Crummey said he hasn’t received any calls about it. “Sometimes it’s like being at home. You’re the last one to know,” Crummey joked.
Bethlehem City Supervisor David VanLuven, who is “thrilled” to see the company expand to Bethlehem, said Plug Power did not provide any important information about how many or what kind of jobs will be transferred to Bethlehem, or even when the move will take place. . But he said he wasn’t “surprised” by the decision. When you look at the facilities built in Bethlehem, they are and there’s room for an expansion, so I’m not surprised, but I’m very happy. “
He continued, “We are proud to have Plug Power within our commercial network paints and we are grateful to Albany County and Albany County Manager Dan McCoy for all the paints they have done in our attempt to have Plug Power here and have them here as they grow and develop. VanLuven, an animator from Bethlehem, said it is another large and very strong corporation that does business in Bethlehem and supports Bethlehem’s economic base. “Bethlehem is a wonderful position to do business and live,” VanLuven said.
John Taylor, Bethlehem’s senior economic developer, also said Bethlehem is still waiting for Plug Power’s main points. “Plug Power has been a wonderful addition to Bethlehem’s business community. We are pleased to have them here and for years to come. said that the IDA in Bethlehem provided grants to Plug Power to induce it to move its headquarters to Bethlehem.
Taylor said an increased influx of workers wouldn’t affect infrastructure or create traffic disruptions because when the facility’s construction was first approved, the city deemed the target population at the Plug Power site to be 1,600 people. This projection of 1,600 workers is tied to $45 million in state tax credits. This Power Plug is eligible for Empire State Development to help pay for the original construction of Vista if it meets this employment goal. Albany County had also provided investment to Plug Power (a $5 million grant). to enlarge the site.
Taylor wasn’t sure if Plug Power planned to expand the brick-and-mortar factory by adding workers. He said any plans to construct more buildings would be subject to the city’s normal plan review process.
Marsh, in the written statement, said the move is “driven by Plug’s expansion and efficiency, the combination of those sites will streamline operations and foster greater collaboration for innovation as the company continues to advance the green hydrogen economy. “
City of Colony and Albany County officials described the resolution not as a loss to Latham and the city of Colony, but as a gain to the county as a whole. County Executive Office Communications Director Mary Rozak said, “At the end of the day, Albany County benefits. While each municipality needs the exclusive benefit, it is better for the county if a company contemplating moving out of the county chooses a site in the county than to look for a site outside the county. of gates the county.
“This is a wonderful progression that benefits everyone in Albany County,” O’Connor said. “This resolution ensures the long-term of Plug Power in Albany County and benefits all counties due to the region’s economic recovery. “
Even Crummey agreed. I am very pleased to know that this employer will be staying in Albany County. An emerging tide lifts all boats, and if it’s more economically advantageous for Plug Power to have all of its activities in one place, that’s fine. He holds no grudges. I’m glad I can help the city. We’re glad they’re staying in Albany County. He added: “We love our friends in Bethlehem very much. “
Sean Maguire, director of planning and economic progress for the city of Colonie, agrees. “We don’t see this as a loss because we’re going to be sticking with Plug Power in Albany County,” he said. “As much as I’d like to keep them here, they’re making the decisions that are best for them and that will be most productive for them. “
Since sales tax revenue is shared among the county’s cities, Crummey does not expect any reduction in tax revenue as a result of Plug Power’s decision. Maguire said that “the lunch business will see other faces, but I don’t think there will be a loss of local businesses because others will occupy this space. “Maguire also said he doesn’t expect city citizens to move their families to Bethlehem “in 15 minutes. “
Crummey radiated confidence that a new employer would move into the freed up space of Plug Power. He described the houses on Highway 7, near the airport, as “shabby. “”If you’re heading west on Route 7 toward Niskayuna, you’re on fire,” Crummey said. He pointed to the remodeling of an old bowling alley and other houses. And new businesses, such as a Porsche dealership, continue to set up shop in the Route 7 corridor, Crummey said. With the airport nearby, its retail businesses and school districts, Crummey concluded, “we’re a position where other people need to work, live and play. “
Given the evolution of the area, Crummey doesn’t expect the building to be empty for long. He added that the city “will help anyone who expresses interest and if the city can do something to help other people in those builds, we will. “
Maguire said Plug Power will be a “local business for us. “He said, “It’s like when your kids leave home. Wasn’t the purpose to raise them to grow, succeed, and be independent? »
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