Bay Shore sportswear maker wins low-cost power to expand 

A sportswear manufacturer in Bay Shore has been awarded low-cost electricity from New York State as part of an expansion project costing more than $30 million, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.

David Peyser Sportswear Inc. received 766 kilowatts from the state Power Authority’s ReCharge NY program in return for pledging to double the size of its local operation and add 50 jobs to a work force of 278 people.

A thousand kilowatts can power between 800 and 1,000 homes.

The sportswear maker — which produces sweatshirts, caps, jackets and blankets emblazoned with the logos of college sports teams, vacation resorts and the U.S. military — was one of five local businesses to secure power allocations this week. The allocations are for seven years.

Justin E. Driscoll, the authority’s interim president and CEO, said the allocations of cheap electricity “will strengthen the state’s economy, sparking large-scale community investment and adding to the more than 390,000 jobs already supported through the [ReCharge NY] program statewide.”

At David Peyser Sportswear, executive Alan Peyser said he and his family welcome the state support.

“The company has been concerned with rising energy costs for many years and has helped to mitigate these costs with the installation of solar panels” on its two existing buildings in Bay Shore, he said. “We are very appreciative to those who have assisted us in our effort to expand our operations on Long Island.”

The 74-year-old business plans to purchase a 167,730-square-foot building at 100 Spence St., which is adjacent to its current operation. The new space will provide room for decorating equipment, silk-screen equipment and warehousing.

Besides the low-cost power, David Peyser Sportswear was awarded $2 million in tax breaks over 15 years by the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency last year.

Some of the ReCharge NY electricity is produced by dams near Niagara Falls and along the St. Lawrence River upstate.

Among the latest power recipients on Long Island, David Peyser Sportswear received the largest allocation, promised to invest the most, will preserve the greatest number of jobs and do the most hiring.

Rejuvenol Laboratories Inc. pledged to add 10 jobs to its work force of 56 people on Copiague.

The manufacturer of hair shampoos and conditioners, shaving cream and other salon products received 166 kilowatts this week to support the $810,000 purchase of machinery.

In November, Rejuvenol was awarded tax breaks by the Babylon Town IDA to support the purchase of a third building, according to agency records.

Twinco Manufacturing Co. secured 96 kilowatts of cheap electricity in return for investing $300,000 in equipment purchases and renovations to its Hauppauge factory.

The company, which employs 48 people, makes electrical parts used in transportation, including by railroads.

Others awarded low-cost electricity are Tens Machine Co. in Holbrook and Exergy LLC in Garden City, which received an additional allocation.

By James T. Madore

james.madore@newsday.comJamesTMadore

James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.