Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency accepted an application for benefits from a China-based manufacturer of architectural glass, WHTB Glass, an affiliate of Wuhua Tianbao Glass Co., Ltd, which plans to open its first U.S. production center in Shirley, New York.

The company’s application is subject to review by the IDA staff and a public hearing must be held before the IDA board can vote on any benefits.

The application from WHTB Glass was accepted at the IDA’s January 13 meeting. WHTB intends to build and equip a 44,000-square-foot building on a vacant 4.2-acre parcel of land on Ramsey Road, southeast of Exit 68 of the Long Island Expressway. The company is negotiating to buy the site from Tritec Real Estate Co. of East Setauket.

According to the firm’s application, WHTB anticipates employing 143 workers at the site, where window components, shipped from China, will be processed and assembled. Construction is expected to start in the fall.

The Shirley location will reduce the turnaround and delivery time on products that now are shipped back and forth from China by sea, said Lawrence Liu, a West Hempstead-based real estate broker who assisted the company in its site search.

WHTB considered other sites on Long Island, which he described as too old, too small and lacking adequate ceiling heights, Liu said, adding that the Shirley location was convenient to New York City via the Long Island Expressway and the possibility of economic incentives added to its attraction.

“This is another example of a company that chose to locate in Brookhaven Town because it’s a great place to do business,” said Supervisor Ed Romaine. “I commend the IDA for their efforts to attract new businesses like WHTB that provide much needed jobs for our residents.”

“This is an exciting project,” said Braun. “We are incredibly pleased that WHTB has decided to locate its first U.S. operation in the Town of Brookhaven. We welcome the opportunity to work with this company.”

“This project proves that manufacturing is alive on Long Island,” Braun added.