Queensbury NY: Hub for Medical Device Manufacturing, Innovation & Research
The NY Capital District is a hotbed for biotechnology, pharma and life sciences industries. The growth and development of medical device manufacturing has made Queensbury NY a hub for medical device manufacturing, innovation an research in Upstate NY. Located in the center of “Catheter Valley,” (see Warren County Economic Development post) Queensbury is a proud and vital segment within this important industry.
Recent information from the WCEDC:
“As the coronavirus pandemic underscores the importance of the domestic manufacturing of medical equipment and supplies, Ed Bartholomew, President & CEO of EDC Warren County, stated that U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data is revealing for the first time that Warren County, New York, has the nation’s highest concentration of jobs in that industry, according to a Center for Economic Growth (CEG) data analysis.”
BD Becton Dickinson (formerly CR Bard)
C.R. Bard was a leading international developer and manufacturer of medical technologies in the areas of vascular, urology, oncology, and surgical specialties. The company has a long history in Queensbury, originally begun as the U.S. Catheter and Instrument Co. in the late 1930s, and later sold to C.R. Bard. With a continued strong presence in Queensbury, the plant currently employ about 750 people. Bard was sold to Becton, Dickinson and Co., of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, another significant player in the medical manufacturing industry. According to the Becton, Dickinson and Co. announcement, they will be focusing on “…creating a highly differentiated medical technology company focused on delivering innovative healthcare solutions to improve clinical and economic outcomes.“
Delcath Systems, Inc.
Delcath Systems, Inc., located on Queensbury Ave., has a corporate headquarters in New York City and in Ireland, but it is here in Queensbury where all the research and development happens! Delcath Systems is a specialty pharmaceutical and medical device company that focuses on oncology, and even more specifically, on the treatment of primary and metastatic liver cancers. Delcath continues to build on isolated chemo treatment research with three goals at hand:
- Isolating the affected organ through a minimally invasive and repeatable method
- Delivering ultra-high doses of chemotherapeutic agent to the isolated organ
- Minimizing systemic exposure to chemotherapeutic agents using chemofiltration
Precision Extrusion, Inc.
At Glens Falls Technical Park, we have Precision Extrusion, Inc., part of the North American leader in the design and fabrication of specialty plastic products, Pexco. Precision Extrusion is an industry leader in a wide variety of custom, high-quality thermoplastic tubing as well as angioplasty balloons for the medical device industry. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing process also allows for custom extrusion products in non-medical industries as well.
Bates Industries, Inc.
Bates Industries, Inc., a family-owned company located in Glens Falls, is a provider of disposable medical devices and components. They also can assist with product development efforts by designing tooling and processes to bring a concept to production. All work is done here, so everything is American-made with an attention to quality and customer service. There are approximately 75 employees at this location.
AngioDynamics
Just a short drive away is the AngioDynamics corporate office now located in Latham, NY. The U.S. customer service office is also here on Queensbury Ave., and they have several international offices as well. AngioDynamics was originally founded in Queensbury in 1988 and has since grown into a NASDAQ-listed public ompany with a global reach and 1,400 employees working at facilities in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. There are approximately 560 employees in the Queensbury facility. Initially known for the research and development of products for interventional radiology, AngioDynamics then began shipping products before becoming established as a diagnostic catheters for non-coronary angiography and thrombolytic delivery systems producer. They now have a diverse product line that includes market-leading radiofrequency ablation and NanoKnife® systems, vascular access products, angiographic products and accessories, dialysis products, angioplasty products, drainage products, thrombolytic products, embolization products, venous products, and targeted renal therapy products.
Praxis
Praxis Technology in Queensbury specializes in titanium via metal injection molding (MIM) and developed the only qualified TiMIM process in the world. Founded in 1999, Praxis business model includes licensing arrangements, R&D prototype development, as well as full-scale manufacturing. Praxis developed technology in the binder-assisted forming of metal powders. and developed patented 3D porous titanium technology in 2003.
Spectrum Plastics Group
Spectrum Plastics Group is a leader in the design, development, and manufacture of specialty medical plastic products. Products include standard and custom components, sub-assemblies, and finished devices to medical device manufacturers and end-users across blood and fluid management, cardiology, vascular, orthopedic, ophthalmic and many other health applications.
Sterigenics
Sterigenics provides sterilization solutions and consulting services to medical device and pharmaceutical industries globally. The Queensbury facility employs 20.
As the medical manufacturing industry continues to grow and companies search for optimal locations to start, relocate or expand their facilities, Queensbury has a proven record for offering a friendly economic atmosphere and an educated and growing workforce.
Other initiatives to support and expand our current medical device industry – and to attract new industry include:
- The new SUNY Adirondack Workforce Development Program which will help provide current and future employers by providing a ready workforce.
- The expansion of the airport to better accommodate future air travel growth – which will in turn better support current industry and encourage new industry.
- The creation of an Airport Business Park to supplement our support of our current industry and help activate new industry.
As we continue to offer incentives to industry and business to cement our reputation as a hub for medical device manufacturing, innovation and research in Upstate NY, our community continually provides an attractive lifestyle that is instrumental in bringing all types of new business and industry to the Warren County and Upstate NY region.