Clarkstown Firm Receives State Grant To Make Pandemic Products

CLARKSTOWN, NY — A Rockland County manufacturer is one of five New York companies to receive incentives in the state's latest round of economic development grants aimed at helping combat the coronavirus pandemic and prepare for the future.

Aero Healthcare US LLC will receive $800,000. This is the first phase of a larger plan to bring the batching and mixing of hand sanitizer to the company's facility in Valley Cottage, state officials said. The project will include an investment of $2.1 million and 10 new jobs to reach full capacity.

A global healthcare supply manufacturer and distributor, the company will expand its existing facility to bottle hand sanitizer and manufacture the plastic bottles and pumps for its containers. The ramp-up will include the purchase of machinery and equipment and raw materials. At full production, Aero Healthcare will produce 200,000 units of hand sanitizer per week, state officials said.

"Aero Healthcare US LLC was an integral part of Rockland’s healthcare industry sector prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this award is a testament to Rockland’s frontline manufacturers," said Rockland County Economic Development & Tourism Director JeremySchulman. "As the second Rockland company thus far to receive maximum state funding to produce PPE’s, this grant also helps to further reduce reliance on overseas products."

The company is one of five recipients of $2 million in incentives to manufacturers in New York announced Wednesday to help provide faster and more secure access to life-saving medical products.

This is the fourth round of grants to support New York companies and increase local production of critical supplies, such as ventilators, test kits and personal protective equipment. In 2020, 31 companies received grants.

"New York State is home to many of the world's most innovative companies," said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler in the announcement. "ESD's support for these businesses not only answers Governor Cuomo's call for New York industries to assist with efforts to fight the coronavirus, but also reflects the investment that is being made to strengthen the State's manufacturing sector to adapt quickly to new market opportunities and continue its record of smart growth as we build back better."

To further promote domestic manufacturing of critical medical supplies and devices and to reduce dependency on overseas products, Cuomo also proposed the Medical Supplies Act.

"Our country was ill-prepared for a global pandemic when it arrived early in 2020, and New York State was left to scour the earth in search of personal protective equipment," said Lieut. Gov. Kathy Hochul. "We are proud to support domestic manufacturing of critical medical equipment that will not only save lives and reduce dependency on overseas products, but also retain local jobs and support New York State companies."