The Hydro Power Behind Saint-Gobain's Legacy in Western New York
Consider the sheer power of Niagara Falls, its relentless force, harnessed not just to illuminate homes and businesses in Western New York but to ignite economic growth throughout New York State. It's nature's powerhouse turned into human progress, a story of raw energy.
Since the Niagara Power Project opened in 1961, it has produced clean electricity, powering homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure across Western New York and beyond. This has included one of the world’s oldest continuously operating companies, Saint-Gobain.
Saint-Gobain began as King Louis XIV's Royal Manufactory of Mirror Glass and is known for some of the most iconic glass structures in the world, such as the House of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles and the Louvre Pyramid. Over the past 360 years, Saint-Gobain has evolved to be a leader in many industries including building materials and ceramics, where it has a major hub in Western New York.
How does that connect to the New York Power Authority?
Headquartered in Paris, France with locations in 75 countries, including Wheatfield, NY, Saint-Gobain is a global leader in light and sustainable construction, designing and producing innovative materials and solutions that improve daily life while reducing environmental impact. Their mission is to “make the world a better home.”
Saint-Gobain has a long history of job creation and manufacturing in Western New York. Drawn to the region in 1975 by the allure of affordable hydroelectric power, the company now employs over 200 people in Western New York and over 530 across the state. Saint-Gobain produces materials used in both everyday consumer and industrial products. Think brake pads, catalytic converters, and industrial grinding wheels, all while leveraging NYPA’s 14,415 kW of affordable hydro power generated by the Niagara plant.
Saint-Gobain is currently investing $40 million in Western New York, to build a 125,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility. This will add approximately 30 additional highly skilled jobs to the local workforce. More jobs mean more foot traffic, more meals at local diners, more small businesses thriving. Positive impact on all involved.
Leveraging NYPA’s renewable hydropower is a smart business decision. Saint-Gobain is one example of companies located in Western New York leveraging hydropower to fuel their expansion efforts. In other words, the formula to commit to memory is Hydropower = (competitive advantage + operational excellence + long-term profitability).
What's next? Saint-Gobain is eyeing future expansions and sustainable developments in Western New York. Their relationship with NYPA showcases what happens when clean energy meets visionary leadership, innovation thrives, communities grow stronger, and everyone wins.
Curious how clean energy can reshape your business? Discover how NYPA's power programs drive business in New York State!
ReCharge New York - Contact: PoweringBusiness@nypa.gov
Western New York Hydro Power - Contact: Hydro.programs@nypa.gov