Business spotlight
Curran Renewable Energy
This family-owned and operated wood pellet manufacturer prides themselves on supporting the local economy while growing their business. With help from St. Lawrence County IDA, Curran Renewable Energy has connected to the capital that has fostered more than 15 years of continued innovation and expansion.
Over 15 years ago...
Pat Curran set out to build a wood pellet renewable energy business utilizing the vast natural resources of St. Lawrence County. Having established Seaway Timber Harvesting in 1990, he saw the growing market for locally sourced wood fuel as a renewable energy source. A keen and experienced business owner, Pat knew where his business needed to expand, but needed help on how to get there. He met with St. Lawrence County IDA and together they put a plan in place for funding options, expansion plans, and a solution to hire more of the local workforce.
Now...
Curran Renewable Energy, a wood pellet manufacturer, sells in both the US and Canadian markets from domestic market big box stores including Tractor Supply and Lowe’s to mom & pop shops. This is made easier as Pat explains through the local port of Ogdensburg along with Port de Valleyfield just 50 miles away in Quebec and 85 miles to the Port of Montreal. Curran sells to Europe and Scandinavia making the ports even more important to their business. Pat adds that the greatest new opportunity for manufacturers in the region comes from CSX Transportation that leaves St Lawrence County and goes direct to Montreal.
Transportation is paramount but the Curran Family also credits the low-cost power and local talent to their continued growth. Hiring local is important to these St. Lawrence County natives and Marketing Manager Kelli Curran Ramsey says that their employees, who have been part of local training programs are the company’s greatest asset.
There is a lot of sweat equity here between our businesses.
Kelli Curran Ramsey
Growth for Decades
Producing Biofuel11 Years
Dedicated Employees100
Recently Secured Low-Interest Loan for Expansion$400K
A Local Business Whose Success is in the Numbers
Curran Renewable Energy keeps the local economy going and St. Lawrence County helps this local business continue to thrive and grow.
Continued Growth
Curran Renewable Energy has been producing renewable biofuel for 11 years. CRE is proud of the products they produce because they come from their backyard. Stewardship of the land is what drives Seaway Timber Harvesting, Curran Logging, and Curran Renewable Energy to be an innovative leader in harvesting and manufacturing of forest products today.
History Made at Home
With only a few chainsaws, one used logging truck, and a doodle-bug built to operate as a skidder, Patrick Curran and his brothers started a family logging business in Massena, NY in 1976. By 1984, Curran Logging, Inc. was established, and Seaway Timber Harvesting was incorporated in 1990. The companies are owned and operated by brothers Pat, Tim, and Lee. Other family members have worked for the company from its early days, and some still continue today, along with over 100 dedicated employees.
What’s Next
Curran Renewable Energy is working closely with the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency and the Development Authority of the North Country on an expansion project on approximately 28 acres of idle industrial land on the St. Lawrence River. The site includes a sprawling 143,000-square-foot former manufacturing building, for which the St. Lawrence County IDA’s Local Development Corp. assisted CRE in acquiring a $400,000 low-interest loan.
Any business that you put together takes capital. And most people that have an idea do not always have the skills to get the funding that it takes to build a business. And that’s what’s really helpful working with the St. Lawrence County IDA.
Pat Curran, Curran Renewable Energy
Success in St. Lawrence County
Asked why they would recommend St. Lawrence County to potential business owners, both Pat and Kelli agree it’s a wonderful place to raise a family. Pat who has been here 60 years says that waking up on the St. Lawrence River reminds him how lucky he is that this beautiful scenic river is at his doorstep. Kelli returned to the area to start a family because of the sense of community and unlimited outdoor adventures for her family all year round.
With more than a decade producing quality wood pellets, The Curran Family continues to grow their business as they move into commercial pellets and are working with the St. Lawrence County IDA on a new industrial location and employment training program. They look forward to welcoming you to the neighborhood.
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