Strattanville firm receives $50,000 award
Hydro-Enclosure, Inc., develops new hot water heating system
Clarion, May 18, 2007: Ben Franklin Technology Partners recently awarded a $50,000 loan to a Strattanville company that has developed an innovative hot water heating system.
Aaron Husted, president of Hydro-Enclosure, Inc., said the units created by his company are more energy efficient and easier to install than traditional hot water heating systems. Hydro-Enclosure’s units can be installed while a home is still under construction, while traditional hot water heating systems cannot be installed until the home is nearly complete.
The ease of installation not only makes the Hydro-Enclosure units less expensive to install, but also ideal for use in manufactured houses, according to Jim Kosco, Ph.D., director of research and development for Ben Franklin Technology Partners’ Northwest Region.
“The market literally is in Aaron’s backyard,” said Kosco, referring to Clarion County’s manufactured housing industry.
The money from Ben Franklin Partners will be used to build two demo units, help pay the salary of a sales representative and offset costs related to marketing the product. Kosco added Husted will continue to have Ben Franklin Technology Partners available to him anytime he needs advice or counsel about his business.
In addition to Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Husted was aided by the Clarion County Economic Development Corporation, PennTAP, the Small Business Development Center at Clarion University and State Representative Fred McIlhattan (R-63rd).
McIlhattan, who played a major role in encouraging the Ben Franklin Technology Partners to support this initiative, said, “This has been a good example of how an idea can be matured and brought to market by the cooperation of the private sector, academia and government. I am confident that the Hydro-Enclosure unit will be well accepted in the marketplace and will add jobs to the Clarion County economy.”
Wood Yeaney, Jr., Ph.D., Director of the SBDC, praised Husted’s commitment to the project, and said it was key to its success.
“We see many clients with the desire to create a business from an idea of a new product. Very few have the determination to drive through the numerous hurdles that must be overcome,” said Yeaney. “Aaron not only had the idea, he had the drive and determination and that is why we are here today.”
Husted thanked everyone who helped him to develop his business.
“I am very grateful to the Ben Franklin program for not only providing the funding to get my demo units completed and my business off the ground, but also for supporting my dream of growing my own business in Clarion,” said Husted. “They helped me to take the first step.”
 |
Photo caption: |