FuzeHub, the new statewide initiative to
grow manufacturing companies, is proving
successful in bringing solutions to businesses
– including Tech Valley Technologies (TVT) in
Wilton, said Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently.
TVT is a veteran-owned small business located
in Wilton that develops and manufactures
realistic targets and training devices for the
U.S. military, law enforcement and commercial
markets.
The state launched FuzeHub in November
and TVT sought its help.
As a collaboration and resource platform that
works with the New York Manufacturing Extension
Partnership program (MEP), universities,
state economic development organizations, and
state programs, FuzeHub helps connect small to
medium sized manufacturing companies with
the solutions they need to overcome challenges
to growth.
“Supporting New York’s manufacturers is vital to not only ensuring their long-term success, but to creating new economic opportunities in communities all throughout the state,” said Cuomo. “FuzeHub is proving to be a unique resource available to our manufacturing companies that pools the very best of the state’s expertise to help entrepreneurs with technology commercialization, innovative solutions and business growth.”
TVT has partnered with large defense contractors on several military contracts to provide targets for the U.S. Army, Marines, Special Forces, and related customers. In addition, TVT has been working directly with the U.S. Navy on the development of a manikin target to be utilized on personal watercraft or boats in various escalation of force training scenarios.
Prior to engaging with FuzeHub, TVT was sourcing its circuit boards to a contract manufacturer in California. FuzeHub representatives connected the company with Hudson Valley Technology Development Center (the Mid- Hudson MEP), and TVT now contracts these services with a New York based manufacturer in Fishkill, according to the governor’s office. The closer proximity allows TVT to save time and provides a better communication platform for doing business.
“We are pleased to be working closely with our FuzeHub Regional Innovation Specialist and the Hudson Valley Technology Development Center, both of which have done a great job advising, communicating and facilitating meetings with New York-based companies and contacts – many that we didn’t know even existed,” said Barbara Hodge, TVT senior vice president of operations.
“Before this, we were often going out-of-state to obtain raw materials and talent. Having Fuze- Hub as part of our extended team has already made a real difference,” she said. “They are helping us broaden our resources and capabilities locally, and helping us to successfully grow our high-tech manufacturing business in New York state. With FuzeHub and Gov. Cuomo’s support of manufacturing in Upstate New York, TVT will be able to further develop and sell our products which will promote hiring and help grow our economy, locally and beyond.”
She said TVT is now in the process of opening up its manufacturing facility to another entrepreneurial manufacturer who also came to FuzeHub looking for support. The two companies, connected through the FuzeHub network, will be working together on a product line.
For more information on FuzeHub, please visit www.fuzehub.com or contact Laura Mann, director of strategy and operations at laura@fuzehub.com.