SpaceKap announced an important step in its development by creating a U.S. entity, SpaceKap US Corp. In the weeks before this announcement, the Canadian company acquired a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Plattsburgh, New York, to establish its U.S. plant.
Key Takeaways
- SpaceKap acquired a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Plattsburgh, New York, targeting early-2025 operation.
- Corey Devins, a Plattsburgh native, was hired as facility manager to run the new plant.
- With 50% of sales already coming from the U.S., a domestic entity also opens the door to bidding on government contracts.
Why did SpaceKap choose Plattsburgh for its U.S. plant?
Work was underway to make the building operational, with SpaceKap US expected to be up and running in the early months of 2025. “We wanted to establish ourselves within reasonable commuting distance. The Plattsburgh Chamber of Commerce was a great support in the purchasing process,” says Frédéric Albert, President of SpaceKap.
Half of the company’s sales come from the United States, which made the decision straightforward. “We’ve been thinking about it since 2023, and our sales are growing. We wanted to offer a complete service to support our American customers. It was high time we took care of them. They deserve that investment because more and more Americans are putting their trust in our products. What’s more, we’ll now have an American identity and be able to bid on government contracts.”
What advantages does a U.S.-based plant actually give SpaceKap?
By locating in the U.S., a company specializing in manufacturing fiberglass service bodies can reduce delivery times and logistics costs. A U.S. address also reinforces the company’s credibility on American soil. SpaceKap US expected to hire around ten American workers by 2025 to meet demand.
With the help of a headhunting firm, SpaceKap found its trusted manager to bring the project to fruition. Corey Devins, a Plattsburgh native, was hired as facility manager.
Corey Devins and Frédéric Albert
Was tariff risk part of the decision to open a U.S. plant?
Rumors were circulating about possible tariffs between Canada and the United States. For SpaceKap, the situation was manageable. “We can’t control political decisions. We can only try to reduce the company’s risk factors to secure our jobs and consolidate our revenues, so we must give ourselves options,” Frédéric Albert added.
Let’s bet other Canadian companies will want to give themselves the same strategic flexibility. The plant went on to become SpaceKap’s fully open U.S. division a few months later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is SpaceKap’s U.S. plant located?
SpaceKap US Corp. operates from a 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Plattsburgh, New York, chosen for its reasonable commuting distance from the company’s Canadian operations.
Who manages SpaceKap’s Plattsburgh facility?
Corey Devins, a Plattsburgh native hired with the help of a headhunting firm, serves as facility manager.
Why did SpaceKap create a U.S. entity instead of exporting from Canada?
With 50% of sales already coming from the U.S., a domestic entity reduces delivery times and logistics costs, reduces exposure to potential Canada-U.S. tariffs, and allows SpaceKap to bid on U.S. government contracts.
