Member News

NextCorps connects hardware start-ups to the world-class manufacturing facility in Rochester.

ROCHESTER, NY – Over 20 startup entrepreneurs who are working on emerging hardware technologies will tour ArcWorks, a world-class manufacturing facility in the heart of Rochester, on Thursday, April 28 from 1 to 3 pm.

NextCorps, Rochester’s largest resource for startup programming, will bring entrepreneurs who are looking to build connections to grow their businesses, to the 1651 Lyell Avenue, 85,000-square foot facility. NextCorps connects entrepreneurs with manufacturers that can help them move their technology prototype into mass production to speed commercialization and product availability. ArcWorks manufacturing is an ideal resource for many start-ups.

“ArcWorks is proud of our abilities as a leader in subcontract manufacturing services,” said Melissa Mayo, business development manager for ArcWorks.

As a contract manufacturer, ArcWorks partners with companies to create value-driven, high-quality services such as a clean room for medical devices; pharmaceutical and electronic assembly; final integration; kitting, packing and assembly. ArcWorks focuses on core business needs including reducing overhead expenses, maintaining better control over the operational process and reducing labor and manufacturing costs. They have many satisfied clients across myriad industries including technology, healthcare, clean energy, food/beverage and beauty.

Sashti Balasundaram (right), founder of WeRadiate, works with ArcWorks engineer Lucas Relkin on his product.

Sashti Balasundaram, founder of WeRadiate, is a startup manufacturer participating in NextCorps Scale For Climatetech accelerator. The company had a great idea for a climatetech product, but needed some help manufacturing it. ArcWorks was the ideal partner.

“We wanted to build a product locally and it was really difficult to find manufacturing facilities – contract manufacturers – to develop, work, and grow with us,” he said. “So we were introduced to Melissa and the ArcWorks team and we took a tour and we’re really excited to continue that relationship.”

As an ISO 9001:2015 registered business, ArcWorks’s commitment to continuous process improvement and outstanding customer service results in flawless execution for its contract customers.

“We become an extension of their business so that they can focus on what they do best,” said Mayo. “We work closely with a company to customize a plan that will provide the greatest return on their investment.”

By partnering with ArcWorks, companies also help create job opportunities for people with disabilities in the Rochester community. A division of The Arc of Monroe, ArcWorks provides supported employment opportunities for hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in its integrated workshop. ArcWorks offers job fulfillment, job satisfaction and helps acclimate individuals into a competitive work environment.

For more about ArcWorks ability to work with start-ups, visit https://youtu.be/0l1uI_kRTZo.

MEDIA: You are invited to take part in the tour on Thursday to learn more. Contact Christen Smith, director of marketing, at (585) 773-8538 if you would like to be a part of this exciting event.

 About The Arc of Monroe

The Arc of Monroe has been providing a variety of programs and services for over 1,400 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and their families in the Rochester community for over 65 years. The Arc works to enhance the quality of life and self-esteem of people in its programs, providing them with meaningful social development, supported employment, residential community living and enrichment opportunities. The Arc has 40 locations in Monroe County that assist people with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities that include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Asperger syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorders among others.