TechShop, a membership-based, do-it-yourself workshop and fabrication studio, has been selected to operate a more than 15,000 square foot advanced manufacturing center at the Brooklyn Army Terminal in the Borough of Brooklyn neighborhood of Sunset Park, New York.

According to the NYCEDC, “this shared workspace will provide makers and other small manufacturing firms with affordable access to 21st century equipment, as well as access to a suite of support services. The advanced manufacturing center is the cornerstone of Futureworks NYC, a network of programs and resources to support the advanced manufacturing sector in New York City, create high-skilled production jobs, and increase competitiveness for existing manufacturing companies, NYCEDC officials said. The new center is expected to create more than 500 jobs in the first 5 years, attract $200 million in investment, and help launch more than 200 new industrial businesses.”

“We are thrilled to be bringing TechShop to New York City,” said Dan Woods, CEO of TechShop. “TechShop’s vast experience in safely and effectively managing world-renowned makerspaces will enable Futureworks NYC to fuel the birth of new products, companies and jobs and to deliver transformational experiences to the people and communities of Brooklyn.”

“We launched Futureworks to ensure the greatest city in the world remains the greatest place to make things and to grow a 21st century industrial business,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This advanced manufacturing center is the linchpin of our Futureworks initiatives, and we couldn't be more excited that TechShop is bringing their global experience and expertise to make sure it's a tremendous success.”

“We are experiencing a manufacturing renaissance in New York City that is driven by the talents of our creative entrepreneurs, makers, and inventors,” said NYCEDC President Maria Torres-Springer. “Our new partnership with Tech Shop will democratize access to the state of the art tools, equipment, and workspaces necessary to not just support our city's manufacturers but also position New York City at the forefront of advancing manufacturing.”

“I am proud Sunset Park's Brooklyn Army Terminal is a cornerstone of New York City's advanced manufacturing revolution,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca. Our protection of manufacturing zones and our investments in infrastructure must be coupled with innovative business practices. I am especially pleased to see FutureworksNYC include direct grants for start-ups along with practical assistance for existing manufacturers. To succeed at BAT, the innovators who will build New York's advanced manufacturing future need Sunset Park's skilled labor. The FutureworksNYC initiative provides resources for a proven industry leader like TechShop to support growth, and workforce development. I will judge the value delivered by FutureworksNYC by both economic impact and to what extent local workers share the benefits of growth.”

“SBIDC is excited and proud to welcome TechShop and the Advance Manufacturing Center to Southwest Brooklyn,” said David D. Meade, Executive Director of the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation. “The manufacturing sector is critical to the Southwest Brooklyn economy, and the economy of New York City as a whole, and we are happy to see the City making a major investment in the future of manufacturing, right here in our neighborhood. As the organization working closely with Southwest Brooklyn’s industrial sector, we look forward to working with the new tenants of the Advance Manufacturing Center, and helping to create good jobs for local residents.”