The initiative was launched in 2021 after the Jamestown BPU was selected to receive a four-year grant through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Accelerate Southern Tier Awards program to support the commercialization of new clean energy technologies.

Both North Park Innovations Group Inc. of Ellicottville and Turbo Machining LLC of Allegany were awarded mini grants as a result of their transformations into clean energy manufacturing.

North Park Innovations develops, designs and produces a line of vocational training systems used in community colleges and training centers across the country to introduce best practices in the installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems. Equipment in these training units is built to minimize the energy consumption necessary for cooling. According to Lori Northrup, Chairman of North Park Innovations, one top-selling trainer unit is equipped with a residential heat pump that is certified for installation in New York state.

North Park Innovations provides high-tech products and curriculum for the electrical and HVAC/R trades, cybersecurity, green energy and smart home trades under two different lines, iConnect Training and Marcraft.

Robert Skaggs, Turbo Machining LLC senior advisor, and Brian Rodman, business partner, are presented with a Retool WNY mini-grant check from Ellen Ditonto, Jamestown Board of Public Utilities business development coordinator, for their startup business, focused on designing prototypes for clean energy manufacturers.

Turbo Machining LLC is a startup company working to design prototypes for wind power unit blades, e-vehicle battery fillers and self-cooling bearings for windmills. This research and development work is the first step as the company is scaling up for full production. Brian Rodman, located in Allegany, is a key partner in this endeavor.

“The Retool initiative and these successful manufacturing transformation projects ensure that our region will continue to be a center for clean energy supply chain manufacturing,” said Kristofor Sellstrom, BPU deputy general manager – electric. “The distribution of these mini-grants across Southern Tier counties is a testament to the range of interest and expertise in clean energy manufacturing. With the NYSERDA grant coming to a close, we are now focused on connecting regional companies with supply chain opportunities in the clean energy sector and increasing the availability of training opportunities through secondary and higher education institutions in the region.”

The Retool WNY initiative’s success over the last four years included annual conferences on topics of interest to manufacturers, educators and suppliers. The Retool’25 Conference is planned for June 3. Details are available by contacting Ditonto at businessdev@jamestownbpu.com.

“Manufacturing in the Southern Tier Region represents an important component of strengthening and improving our overall economic picture,” said David Leathers, BPU general manager. “There are many examples in Western New York of excellence and innovation in the clean energy sector, including the work at North Park Innovations and Turbo Machining.”