FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2020
Contact: Mark Geise
(716) 661-8902
Architectural systems designer-manufacturer is expanding to northeastern US
TOWN OF ELLICOTT, N.Y.: — Arktura, a California based designer and manufacturer of architectural systems, is expanding from the west coast to Chautauqua County. Three architects and former classmates from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Albany; Rob Kilian, Chris Kabatsi, and Kevin Kane, founded Arktura in 2008. They have combined their problem-solving skills, design talent, and competences for using high-tech tools to create custom ceiling tiles, acoustic panels, and façade systems. They are in the process of purchasing a 134,858 sf facility located at 1 Precision Way in the Town of Ellicott, N.Y., which was previously home to Acu-Rite/Heidenhain.
At its February 25, 2020 board meeting, the Board of Directors for the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development (CCIDA) unanimously voted in favor of the CCIDA authorizing the execution and delivery of a preliminary agreement with respect to Arktura’s application for financial incentives, which includes: real property tax abatements (PILOT); sales and use tax exemptions; and a mortgage recording tax exemption.
Arktura plans to invest $7.3 million to expand its existing Los Angeles, California-based operations to Chautauqua County. This new plant is projected to facilitate expedited lead times to the U.S. market for its products, provide local services to east coast markets, and increase its overall production capacity. Arktura plans to hire 50 full-time employees during the first three years of operations.
Arktura has also applied for benefits/incentives through New York State Empire State Development (ESD) and Office of Community Renewal (OCR).
“This is a great project for not only Ellicott, but the County as a whole,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/Chief Executive Officer of the CCIDA. “We have been actively marketing this high-tech, modern facility for several years now, and to have a company of this caliber purchase and renovate it, while creating 50 jobs, is a dream come true. I really need to give a lot of credit to our business development team here at the IDA, especially Linda Burns, for making this a reality.”
Chris Kabatsi, Arktura CEO, said, “We could not be happier to have discovered Chautauqua County and we are thrilled to be working closely with the IDA to get this operation up and running. We will be putting together an industry leading facility filled with the latest machinery. We are excited to be a new addition to a community with such a rich tradition of manufacturing. “
“This is another example of the positive economic progress we are making in Chautauqua County,” said County Executive PJ Wendel. “Too often we only hear the negative news about what’s going on in the County. I want to highlight more of the positive things happening here, and this is a great example of that. Our economic development team was successful in attracting a company poised for growth to locate here from outside of the region to fill a vacant building, while creating a substantial number of good-paying jobs.”
“I have been working very closely with the County and the CCIDA on efforts to attract businesses to locate here and create jobs, and to put legacy buildings back into use,” said Town of Ellicott Supervisor Patrick McLaughlin. “This accomplishes both objectives, which is really good news. I would like to thank Mr. Giese and Mr. Dixon for their hard work in bringing this new venture to fruition.”
About the CCIDA – The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, visit, and conduct business. They facilitate development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses. For addition information about the CCIDA please visit our website at www.ccida.com.
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