Blackstone Advanced Technologies President Heather Turner and BPU General Manager David Leathers sign a renewed SC-6 agreement with BPU Business Development Coordinator Ellen Ditonto, right. Blackstone Director of Finance Sarah Drake and Blackstone Director of Engineering Tim Wissman look on.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities and Blackstone Advanced Technologies have signed an extension of the company’s flex rate agreement.

Flex rates provide lower electric rates to high-usage industrial customers. The company is located on Blackstone Avenue in Jamestown. The Flex Rate plan, also known as a Service Class (SC)-6 agreement, is an extension of a one-year pact executed originally for the 2024 calendar year. The company met all of the metrics required to maintain this flexible industrial rate, so the BPU board approved a three-year contract extension at its November meeting. The new three-year contract took effect on January 1, 2025, and expires on December 31, 2027.

“Blackstone Advanced Technologies first became eligible in 2023 for the SC-6 flexible electric rate for industrial customers,” said David Leathers, BPU general manager. “The company has more than met the metrics required to remain in the program. We are pleased to include Blackstone Advanced Technologies in this flex rate program for the next three years.”

The BPU’s Flex Rate Program is an economic development tool used by the utility to assist local industrial companies. The program offers slightly reduced electric costs in exchange for a manufacturer’s pledge to invest in its local facility and workforce.

“This year, Blackstone Advanced Technologies has made significant capital investments totaling more than $2.9 million to enhance our manufacturing capabilities and sustainability initiatives,” said Heather Turner, Blackstone Advanced Products president. .

According to Turner, these investments include the installation of a state-of-the-art Trumpf Laser, new ovens, a paint rack system, upgrades to the compressor system, and a Cincinnati Press Brake.

“We also upgraded our Sciaky Spot Welder and added a Faro Arm/Probe to improve precision and efficiency,” continued Turner. “These upgrades, along with our commitment to sustainability demonstrated through the installation of EV chargers, better position us to serve our clients and deliver on agreements like the SC-6, driving success for both our company and our partners.”

In addition, Turner mentioned that the company continues expanding its workforce and increasing the number of employees on the second shift.

Blackstone Advanced Technologies is a sheet metal fabricator that makes components for military, transportation and industrial customers. Some of their largest customers are Wabtec, Mitsubishi, Vapor Stone Rail, General Dynamic and Saft Battery.

“We are thrilled to extend the SC-6 agreement with BPU through 2027,” Turner said. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation, sustainability and mutual growth. We value the role BPU plays in helping us achieve operational excellence while meeting the needs of our community.”

“As Mayor and BPU Board President, I am proud of the continued partnership between the BPU and Blackstone Advanced Technologies,” said Mayor Kim Ecklund. “This renewed agreement reflects our shared commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting local industry. Blackstone’s significant investments in technology, sustainability and workforce development underscore their vital role in strengthening Jamestown’s economy and community.”

“The flex rate allows companies such as Blackstone Advanced Technologies to continue manufacturing in our area while competing in a global marketplace,” concluded BPU Board Chair Gregory Anderson. “The program helps sustain the economic well-being of this industrial employer, whose meaningful dedication to enhancing efficiency and growing the workforce is a model to be admired.”