TechShop arrives at Brooklyn Army Terminal

Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT) has welcomed another business.

After being announced over a year ago, TechShop, a membership-based, do-it-yourself (DIY) workshop and fabrication studio, debuted at BAT on Thursday, October 19.

The studio, 140 58th Street Unit 1C, will occupy a 20,500-square-foot shared advanced manufacturing center. A public preview party was recently held, with the official grand opening slated for the end of the month.

The San Jose-based company that was founded in 2006 is slated to bring up to 500 jobs to the area as well as support over 200 companies within the first five years.

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President and CEO James Patchett discussed what the company will bring to the Sunset Park facility. “The Brooklyn Army Terminal is becoming a hub for modern manufacturing, and with 500,000 square feet of space coming on-line in the next few months, it has more room than ever to support new industrial businesses,” he said. “TechShop Brooklyn will help seed our advanced manufacturing ecosystem, creating affordable access to equipment so that entrepreneurs can grow their companies.”

The new facility has been labeled as the cornerstone of NYCEDC’s Futureworks NYC.

The initiative was formed in May and activates a series of partner networks and programs to increase access to advanced manufacturing technology, support startups, and help traditional manufacturing companies implement new technologies to remain competitive and grow locally.

It is expected to create over 2,000 jobs across a multi-pronged effort. It is a key component in Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s 21st Century Industrial Action Plan, which includes hundreds of millions of dollars of investments in city-owned assets to support thousands of good-paying industrial jobs.

Elected officials are enthusiastic regarding job growth in the area. “We are building high-quality jobs for today and tomorrow in Sunset Park, with a continued attentiveness to ensuring economic development is inclusive and supportive of the surrounding community who are this neighborhood’s foundation,” said Borough President Eric Adams.

“TechShop Brooklyn has the potential to help train hundreds of new workers in modern technology,” said Assemblymember Felix Ortiz. “I welcome this effort and expect many Sunset Park residents to apply for positions that will help move us forward.”

“This fits in with our strong belief in responsible development that benefits and offers opportunities to the community at large,” added Councilmember Menchaca. “Companies that demonstrate a sustainable business model and fair labor practices, and who hire from the local community are welcome to join our community here in Sunset Park.”

Last year when the deal was official, Techshop CEO Dan Woods noted, “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.”