Mayor Kraham Announces New Clean Energy Manufacturing Facility to Transform Former First Ward Power Plant

Firomar Inc. Expected to Create 40 Local Clean Energy Manufacturing Jobs

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Tuesday joined officials from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Empire State Development (ESD) to announce redevelopment plans for the former power plant at 22 Charles Street in Binghamton's First Ward.

Firomar Inc., a firm specializing in high-efficiency building panels, is establishing a state-of-the-art clean energy manufacturing operation at the site, creating up to 40 jobs in the first phase.

Mayor Kraham said: "This project is a remarkable transformation of a polluting power plant into a cutting-edge clean energy manufacturing hub. We're creating good-paying manufacturing jobs, revitalizing a long-vacant industrial building and creating additional momentum for the Clinton Street district's revitalization. This project and this building will tell an important story about where our City has been and what our future can be. In Binghamton, we have the vision and capability to create the clean energy jobs of the 21^st Century."

The new facility will be dedicated to the production of Firomar's FIROTHERM panels. The lightweight, pre-insulated exterior envelope panels can be installed on existing buildings to significantly reduce their carbon emissions or used in new construction for net-zero emissions.

Firomar will invest $4.6 million in building improvements and new equipment at 22 Charles Street to support the manufacturing line. Production is anticipated to start early next year.

Formerly based in Connecticut, Firomar has a multi-phase plan to move all of the company's manufacturing, engineering and support operations to 22 Charles Street Once all phases are complete, the facility could grow to more than 100 jobs.

Firomar Inc. Founder and CEO Kieran Higgins said: "We are thrilled to bring new life to the former cogeneration plant and transform it into a beacon of clean energy manufacturing. Our FIROTHERM panels will play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, aligning with our mission to promote sustainable and energy-efficient construction. Firomar extends its gratitude to Mayor Jared Kraham and the City of Binghamton team, NYSERDA, Empire State Development, The Agency and CBRE Upstate NY for their instrumental support in bringing this project to fruition. Their collaborative efforts were key in facilitating Firomar's decision to locate in Binghamton. This initiative underscores Firomar's dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship, paving the way for a greener future."

Firomar received $3 million through NYSERDA's Advanced Buildings Program to establish an operation in New York State.

The NYSERDA award follows the City of Binghamton's participation in NYSERDA's Just Transition Site Reuse Planning Program, designed to help communities navigate power plant retirement and site reuse opportunities. The program supported the City in the development of structural engineering reports, environmental reports, and conceptual site plans for 22 Charles Street, allowing it to respond quickly to Firomar's interest in the site.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said: "NYSERDA is proud to support the City of Binghamton and Firomar's investment to bring energy innovation and manufacturing to the Southern Tier. This project shows how state and local government can work together alongside the private sector to ensure our clean energy transition works hand-in-hand with economic development and job creation."

Tuesday's announcement also included a commitment from Empire State Development to provide up to $500,000 in green-enhanced, performance-based Excelsior Tax Credits. The State program rewards companies that develop technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions with a goal of promoting both job creation and sustainability.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said: "We are excited to support Firomar's repurposing of a former power plant into a state-of-the-art clean energy facility in Broome County. ESD is committed to making key investments that support Governor Hochul's green energy agenda, which is essential in building a stronger, more resilient future for all New Yorkers."

Locally, the project was supported by a sales tax exemption valued at up to $66,880 and approved by the Broome County Industrial Development Agency (The Agency) Board of Directors in June.

The cogeneration plant at 22 Charles Street originally provided electricity and steam to the Anitec Image Corporation manufacturing complex. Following the closure of Anitec and demolition of its buildings in 2000, the facility operated as a peaker plant during periods of high electricity grid demand.

In 2017, the City of Binghamton took ownership of the plant from Wellhead Electric Company, which removed the natural gas turbine and donated the property to the City.

In 2023, the City transferred the property to the Binghamton Local Development Corporation (BLDC) to spark economic development activity at the site and the larger Charles Street Business Park.

Firomar is under option to purchase the building from the BLDC, transferring the property into private ownership and bringing the building back onto the tax rolls. The property transfer is expected to be completed in early 2025.