TransTech Systems move to Niskayuna Commerce Park planned

TransTech Systems move to Niskayuna Commerce Park planned

TransTech Systems move to Niskayuna Commerce Park planned

TransTech decides to remain in region at Niskayuna park

By Brian Nearing

Published 7:31 pm, Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Niskayuna

One of the Capital Region’s original high-tech companies is remaining close to its roots after deciding to move into a new facility at the Niskayuna Commerce Park.

TransTech Systems was founded by the late Harry Apkarian, who was one of the original leaders of the regional Tech Valley effort.

Involved in the creation of such of regional tech icons as MapInfo and Plug Power, Apkarian died in 2009.

TransTech is now headed by his son, David.

The younger Apkarian had been looking to relocate the company from its headquarters on State Street in Schenectady. It had considered Florida, the Carolinas, as well as Colonie and Saratoga County, before deciding on the Niskayuna park, he said.

Plans call for the Galesi Group, owner of the 100-acre park located off Hillside Avenue, to build a new 44,000 square-foot building, with TransTech negotiating to occupy 18,000 square-feet initially, with an option to take another 14,000 square-feet later, Metroplex Development Authority Chairman Ray Gillen said.

The company makes technology used to measure and test asphalt and other materials on construction sites.

It employs more than 30 people, but is expected to grow to about 50 workers over the next five years.

The company also is also looking to expand into the biomedical field. In 2010, TransTech received two federal grants from the National Institutes of Health to research a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor for diabetes.

Apkarian could not be reached for comment. Calls made to the company headquarters for comment were not returned.

Gillen said the Trans-Tech move is another step in the growth of the business park, which earlier this year landed Automated Dynamics, a maker of composite materials. This company is moving into a new 30,000 square-foot building from its current headquarters on Nott Street in Schenectady.

Gillen said the county Industrial Development Agency will consider a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement on the two new buildings, which are valued at about $7.5 million. Under the agreement, Galesi would pay half of the property taxes based on full valuation, and gradually pay full taxes after 10 years.

Already, the park is home to a new $20 million Army Reserve Center and 67,000 square-foot plant for Unilux Advanced Manufacturing, which moved from Toronto.

Galesi, which bought the park at a county tax foreclosure auction in November 2013, has “just been killing it with bringing in tenants,” Gillen said.

bnearing@timesunion.com • 518-454-5094 • @Bnearing10