Solar-boat builder moves production to New York

[LuckyLady]

Solar-boat builder moves production to New York

Posted on February 08, 2011

Tamarack Lake Electric Boat Co. announced it has moved production and operations from Ontario, Canada, to Rome, N.Y.

The company makes the Loon solar boat, which was invented by its president, Montgomery Gisborne.

Company officials credit representatives of the city and state agencies for helping make the move possible, specifically the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The authority offers "objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels," according to a statement.

"The [development authority] component was a critical piece for us," said Ray Hirani, a partner in the company, in a statement. "We identified with the natural advantages of being alongside the [Erie Canal] and the location of Rome as a transportation hub from which to ship our products, but the opportunity and assistance [the development authority] brought forward was a real deal-maker. That put New York ahead of other states we explored, such as Georgia and Maine."

Production is expected to begin in the spring.

"I knew from the first time I saw Monte and his invention in August 2007 that his product had not only incredible vision, but could serve a great niche in the marketplace," Rome Mayor James Brown said in a statement.

"We have an ideal location, skilled work force and have worked hard to make this community truly business-friendly," he added. "Entrepreneurs such as Monte and Ray and concepts like his are vital not just to the economic future of Rome, but of our entire nation. The potential and the need for this product is tremendous. We are excited to be involved with the project."

[Curmudgeon]

.. specifically the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Read that as "They gave us money and tax breaks". That, and the Feds wouldn't give 'green' research money to a foreign company. At least not this time around ...

[whalebreath]

Somehow I'm underwhelmed.......

[LuckyLady]

.. specifically the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

Read that as "They gave us money and tax breaks". That, and the Feds wouldn't give 'green' research money to a foreign company. At least not this time around ...

Not sure what I want to say here ... Its wrong on many levels ... move to the us move your people here and wala reallly?

[Patudo]

Somehow I'm underwhelmed.......

I wonder how many onlookers that day at Kitty Hawk were underwhelmed too...