East End cabinetmaker gets state loan to expand

A cabinetmaker will use a $480,000 loan from New York State to expand on the North Fork, officials said.

Rising Sun Woodworking Inc. of Mattituck plans to buy three buildings at 4460 Depot Lane in Cutchogue that had been used by an online bookseller, Buccaneer Books.

The board of directors of the state Job Development Authority approved the loan last week.

Ray Salaberrios, the state official responsible for JDA loans, said Rising Sun has promised to add three people to its payroll of 19 in return for state help. Employees earn, on average, $57,000 per year, he said.

Previously, the 32-year-old business received a $19,500 grant from Empire State Development, the state's primary business-aid agency, to purchase machinery. It also will have its electricity bills reduced over seven years by the state Power Authority.

Last year, the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency agreed to cut Rising Sun's taxes by $68,325 over 10 years, including a $49,500 savings on property taxes.

Michael Drobet, founder and president of the company, predicted in 2014 that its sales would increase between $500,000 and $2 million per year in the next few years as demand grows for its made-to-order cabinets for kitchens, baths and home libraries. It also produces doors, windows and interior trim, much of it for homes in the Hamptons.