Hi-Lite Airfield Services to Locate New Global Headquarters in Sackets Harbor

Hi-Lite Airfield Services announced today that with Village of Sackets Harbor board approval it will build its new Global Headquarters in Sackets Harbor. The $5.4 million project has been incentivized by a $600,000 grant from New York State’s Empire State Development, and will bring an additional 40 jobs to New York State, building from the 92 currently employed in New York by Hi-Lite.

Hi-Lite is an international leader in airfield safety solutions: including runway markings, rubber removal and friction testing, airfield assessments, and similar activities. The Company was started in 1989 at its current location in Adams Center, NY. John S. McNeely, the company’s CEO and President states “The business started in the North Country and our goal has been to stay. With the support of New York State and the local communities this was made possible.” The company currently operates in 43 states (with satellite offices in Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Texas) and has worked at hundreds of airports around the globe. A sampling of major airports where Hi-Lite has operated includes: JFK, Atlanta, Orlando, & Dallas in the United States; Calgary, Montreal, & Vancouver, in Canada; Jeddah, Medina, and Abu Dhabi in the Middle East; Costa Rica, & Panama in Central America and various islands in the Caribbean from our Puerto Rican office.

The new headquarters will be the operational hub for project planning, logistical deployment of personnel and equipment, and administrative functions. It will provide meeting rooms and new technologies to enhance worker productivity and collaboration between departments. This new 17,700 square foot multi-use facility as designed by Aubertine and Currier will sit on a 14-acre lot that will include a three-story office building and a single-story convention space for internal meetings and training.

The highlight of the new facility is that the convention space will be offered to the community to hold events year round, including corporate functions and other special events. This facility will handle sit down meals for up to 250 occupants in a space capable of being divided into multiple sections, and have a semi-covered outdoor bar and seating area. John McNeely states: “Sackets is missing convention space. With a state-of-the-art facility and water views we should be able to attract functions throughout the year, which will increase people staying and eating in Sackets.”

John S. McNeely said the need for a new, modernized facility has been growing for some time. He added, “The state funding for this project enabled us to move forward with those plans now, and to maintain our presence here in Jefferson County rather than relocate to one of our out-of-state facilities. We also have to thank Jefferson County Economic Development, who was instrumental in helping us obtain that funding.” Don Alexander, JCIDA CEO, states “We are very excited to keep this home-grown, world class company in Jefferson County and look forward to assisting with their continued growth in any way we can.”

“Throughout the years, Hi-Lite has been a catalyst for new jobs and economic growth throughout not only the North Country, but the entire country,” said State Senator Patty Ritchie. “Today’s announcement that Hi-Lite will be staying local—keeping and creating jobs in our region—will help ensure their positive impact continues. I would like to thank Hi-Lite for continuing to invest in Jefferson County and Sackets Harbor for being part of the effort to create new opportunities for the hardworking people of the North Country.”

Hi-Lite is incredibly excited about this opportunity, and looks forward to moving to the village of Sackets Harbor. Sackets Harbor is home to many Hi-Lite employees including John McNeely himself. Sacket Harbor’s mayor, Vincent Batista states “17 years ago, the village purchased and pursued cleaning up the old Augsbury Oil fields located on outer Ambrose Street With terrific financial support from the NYS DEC the 72+acre site was cleaned of all contaminated soil. We received a certificate of completion in March of this year. Having Hi-Lite’s World Headquarters locating to our village would be an outstanding addition and welcomed by every resident and visitor.” John McNeely said “I would like to thank Mayor Vincent J. Battista, the village board of trustees Barbara Boulton, Daniel Frechette, James Bray and Molly Reilly, the LDC Chairman Don Dimonda, and Lonny Reinhardt the Public Works Superintendent for coming together and partnering with Hi-Lite to make this even possible.”