Orbic, a device maker based in Hauppauge, New York, plans to build electronics from start to finish on Long Island, moving production of about 5 million devices a year out of India and China, CBS New York reported on December 26, 2023.
The plan
- CEO Mike Narula calls the effort “Project Patriot.”
- Hotspots, laptops, smartphones and watches would be made in a Long Island plant that now does only warranty work.
- Production was set to start in October, with 500 new jobs.
- The $30 million investment is supported by property and sales tax breaks from New York State and the Suffolk Industrial Development Agency.
Verizon is Orbic’s top customer. The company also sees a market in schools, where Narula said more than 95% of the laptops and Chromebooks in use are made in China. It is working with Queensborough Community College to train workers.
“Cost of labor is higher when you compare it to China, but I don’t think that’s the right comparison. There is a lot of value in manufacturing products here.”
Mike Narula, CEO, Orbic
FAQ
What is Project Patriot?
Orbic’s plan to make phones, hotspots, laptops and watches start to finish in Hauppauge, New York.
How many jobs?
About 500 new jobs, according to the company.
Who is Orbic’s main customer?
Verizon.
Source & credit
Source: CBS New York, December 26, 2023: “Long Island-based electronics company poised to have production solely in the U.S.”.