A Xvivo cell science research system manufactured by BioSpherix, LLC, recipient of a National Grid Manufacturing Productivity Program grant.

National Grid commercial and industrial customers participating in the company’s Manufacturing Productivity Program created 165 new jobs and achieved nearly $1 million in energy savings in 2024.

The program, a component of the company’s economic development offerings, provides financial assistance and sustainable solutions through grants to eligible companies committed to lean manufacturing and growth-related projects that eliminate waste and increase productivity on the factory floor. The incentives are enhanced for applicants who combine productivity improvements with growth-targeted activities that result in new customers and/or products.

“National Grid’s priority is to provide our customers with affordable, reliable energy to fuel their businesses,” said Alberto Bianchetti, National Grid’s External Affairs Director for Central New York. “Through our economic development programs, we’re also able to support hardworking business owners with critical tools that allow them to operate more efficiently. Our Manufacturing Productivity Program offers valuable resources to companies throughout Central New York looking to increase productivity and expand the capabilities of their workforces while also reducing waste and lowering costs.”

National Grid’s grants through this program are administered by TDO, a nonprofit consulting and training organization that works with manufacturers to implement more cost-efficient practices in their processes. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, the manufacturing sector employs over 412,000 New Yorkers, and generated more than $90 billion of economic output in 2024.

“Over the past year, National Grid’s Manufacturing Productivity Program has remained a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen and grow local industry. For well over a decade, this program has been the most significant driver of progress and innovation for Central New York manufacturers,” said Jim D’Agostino, Manufacturing Extension Partnership Center Director for TDO. “National Grid continues to make a tremendous impact in Central New York, especially in supporting our region’s manufacturers.”

National Grid approved $371,000 in Manufacturing Productivity Program grants in 2024, including:

• BioSpherix, Ltd. is refining its sales processes and providing training to its team to ensure repeatable revenue growth and evaluate optimal layout for its manufacturing plant to reduce waste and improve efficiency. BioSpherix, located in Parish, produces advanced cell and tissue culture technologies.
• Bluefors will pursue ISO 14001 certification for environmental management systems at its Syracuse plant. The company will use the grant to analyze and improve the flow of materials and information required to deliver its cryocoolers for condensing and liquefying cryogens. The company plans to add nine new jobs thanks to the grant.
• Gaylord Archival, a leading maker of archival and preservation materials based in Liverpool, will develop new glass displays to be used in museums and other conservation institutions, and a logistics assessment and improvement plan to reduce costs and add efficiencies for the company’s delivery department. The company anticipates savings of $85,000 from the project and will create four new positions.
• Hidden Level, Inc. plans to open a second facility in East Syracuse. The company, which develops sensing technology for unmanned aerial systems, is also pursuing an automated circuit board testing process to alleviate bottlenecks on its manufacturing lines. Hidden Level expects to add four new jobs as a result of the grant.
• New York Hemp Oil, LLC of Cortland will contract with an industry consultant to assist the company as it seeks to boost productivity and grow their top line. The company expects to add 55 jobs as a result of the grant, saving $40,000 in energy costs.

“Our Manufacturing Productivity Program provides tools to help local companies sustainably grow,” said Katie Newcombe, National Grid’s Director of Economic Development. “Finding efficiencies and improving processes ensures our customers become more productive and profitable and contributes to the overall economic wellbeing of the communities we serve.”

Economic Development at National Grid

Since 2003, National Grid’s 18 economic development programs have provided more than $150 million in economic development grant funding to projects in upstate NY, helping to create or retain nearly 75,000 jobs and leverage more than $12 billion in other private and public investment. More information about National Grid’s suite of programs is available at www.shovelready.com.

National Grid was named a Top Utility in Economic Development in 2023 by Site Selection magazine. The publication cited the company’s body of work and specifically recognized its efforts in upstate New York.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.