Electro Sonic

Electro Sonic, a Canadian wholesale distributor of electronics and electrical components, sought to establish a warehouse/distribution operation in the United States. This would be the company's first U.S. location in an effect to expand its customer base and tap into new markets, specifically in the area of renewable energy.

In order to remain cost competitive, Electro Sonic needed a U.S. site to lower shipping costs, reduce fuel costs and travel time. Immigration, legal, accounting, and tax issues were also considerations for the Toronto-based company seeking to enter the U.S. market.

Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (BNE) began working with the company in October 2008 to help management understand the major issues and opportunities with expanding into the U.S. In addition to providing detailed labor and demographic statistics, BNE assisted Electro Sonic with cross-border issues such as incorporation and immigration. BNE facilitated discussions with local economic development partners to coordinate an incentive package. Working with a commercial real estate broker at CB Richard Ellis, in conjunction with BNE, Electro Sonic found a site in the Riverview Solar Technology Park in Tonawanda. Electro Sonic is leasing 65,000 square feet of warehouse and office space, investing over $1.3 million and creating 53 new jobs.