Albany, N.Y. – National Grid is supporting local manufacturing in the Capital Region by awarding Digifabshop, a nationally recognized digital fabrication manufacturer, with a $100,000 Economic Development grant  to aid in moving its plant from the City of Hudson to the Port of Albany, resulting in new capabilities and additional jobs.

The expansion has resulted in the creation of 20 new jobs and the retention of another 80. “We were bursting at the seams in our Hudson location and now this building will meet our needs for several more years, even as we continue to grow,” owner Dustin MacKinnon said. In addition, the location’s proximity to the Port of Albany could become useful in the future as Digifabshop pursues moving product by rail.

Previously, Digifabshop was located in Hudson, but made the move to Albany because of its need for a larger factory and more warehouse space. Founded in 2007 by RPI graduates MacKinnon and John Tompkins, Digifabshop specializes in custom architectural interiors for offices, clothing stores, restaurant chains, and other retailers.

The South Port Road building in which Digifab leases 86,000 square feet, was built in the 1930s and, despite having the space the manufacturer needed to expand, it required a significant electrical upgrade, according to MacKinnon.

“The building had very little power,” he said, “and the upgrade accounted for more than 50 percent of the renovation costs. The National Grid grant was very helpful to us in getting this project done.”

“National Grid is an engine for economic growth in New York state,” said Laurie Poltynski, National Grid regional executive. “These economic development programs are extremely important to a business and to its regional economy. This program provides funds to support business attraction or expansion projects in National Grid’s Upstate New York service area.”

Working with clients all over the Northeast and throughout the country, Digifabshop helps them engineer their projects in a way that is aligned with their designs and budgets, oftentimes creating prototypes to help them test costs and durability at the start of a project.

The company is dedicated to cross training its team members in carpentry, upholstery, millwork, cabinet making, metal fabrication, production management, and logistics to help them find the best fit for themselves within the company. In addition to the new employees it brought on after the move, Digifabshop is currently seeking new hires.

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