PLATTSBURGH — A new company is expected to create 14 jobs — and eventually 35 — in Plattsburgh.

APG-Neuros is a joint-venture between Aviation and Power Group, based in Quebec, and Neuros Co., based in South Korea, The Development Corp. announced Wednesday.

PARK SITE
APG-Neuros signed a three-year lease for the former Mission-Itech building in the Banker Road Industrial Park and will make substantial improvements to the facility.

The company plans to manufacture high-efficiency, environmentally friendly industrial turbo blowers.

The units are used in industrial aeration processes, most commonly in municipal wastewater-treatment systems.

APG-Neuros President Omar Hammoud said the company chose the Plattsburgh location after a six-month search.

"We were attracted to Plattsburgh by their well-organized economic-development programs and the excellent support we received from The Development Corp. and Empire State Development," he said in a news release.

"Both agencies listened to us, understood our current needs and future growth requirements and demonstrated their strong willingness to work closely with us to address our concerns.

"We are looking forward to being a part of the county's industrial and economic communities and to the continued growth of our operation."

GOOD FIT
A collaborative effort by OneWorkSource and Empire State Development helped alert the company to the quality local workforce and Empire Zone benefits available.

The Development Corp. provided an attractive lease with purchase-option package and access to its Revolving Loan Fund.

The Development Corp. President Adoré Flynn Kurtz said the company is a good fit in Clinton County.

"It will provide well-paying jobs for the local community while at the same time manufacturing a product that is highly sought after as municipalities strive to lower energy consumption and carbon emissions, reduce operating costs and manage sewage-treatment facilities in a more green and efficient manner."

Job opportunities include engineers, technicians, quality control personnel and assemblers.

Hammoud said pay scales for employees are still being developed so he could not provide figures.

JANUARY STARTUP
The company plans to begin operation in January. It will contract with local vendors for some of its construction materials.

APG-Neuros said the blower units are unique due to their high-speed motor design and use of air bearings, with no gearbox or lubrication system.

The NX and VX series blowers use no oil and less energy and have lower noise and vibration levels. The company said the blowers can save 30 to 50 percent in operating costs compared to older technology.

RIPPLE EFFECT
Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Bernie Bassett said the announcement was welcome news in a still struggling economy.

"Once again, in the Town of Plattsburgh, we have the announcement of a new employer. Anytime you bring a new company in is a positive for the community."

He said new jobs bring a ripple effect throughout the local economy, and the news that local vendors will provide materials also helps.

The collaboration that helped attract the company is important, Bassett said.

"It helps demonstrate the effort made by all of us to market the region and promote business."

E-mail Dan Heath at: dheath@pressrepublican.com