Thanks to a wave of redevelopment and investment, the creative class has discovered Dutchess County. Injecting new life into former industrial sites, craft manufacturing is surging in picturesque Hudson River towns. Beacon, NY, has seen particular growth in craft manufacturing and many entrepreneurs and companies are flourishing by finding room to scale-up production while maintaining their authentic New York "state of mind."  
Read on to explore some of Beacon's craft manufacturers. 
Niche Modern 

With the motto "made, not manufactured," NICHE MODERN sells handmade glass lighting products. Founded in 2003 in NYC, Niche relocated to Beacon for lower costs, more space and a higher quality of life. 

Today, Niche has 23 employees and operates in a 20,000 sq. ft. former bronze factory, which allows them to have all operations under one roof, including a cold/hot shop, photo studio, warehouse, customer support and sales offices.

The company sells around the world, with approximately 20% of their product directly shipping to international markets. Niche's work has also been featured in The New York Times, ELLE Décor, Better Homes & Gardens and Dwell. 
More Good

Founded in 2012 by Jason Schuler, MORE GOOD produces handcrafted beverage syrups and mixers, in addition to wholesale and co-packing services. Recently, More Good opened a store in Beacon, which offers 100+ types of tea, spices, cocktail bitters and more. 

Today, the company is experiencing a surge of success, expanding their product sales internationally and increasing their staff by 12 employees. More Good also operates on a triple bottom line, which means valuing more than just profit, and opened a local commissary kitchen and incubator for other Dutchess startups. 
Wickham 

 

Located in a 3,000 sq. ft. former hat factory in Beacon, WICKHAM was founded by woodworker Jessica Wickham in 2004. Described as "wood sushi," Wickham's manufacturing style uses hand-forged tools to transform raw materials into artfully crafted beds, tables, chairs, islands and more.

 

Jessica developed her skills while living in Japan before relocating to Dutchess County. 

 

Today, Wickham's designs are sought after by top organizations across the globe. Past clients have included Duke University, the National Audubon Society and Tempura Matsui, a famous Japanese restaurant in New York City.

Hudson Beach Glass

Founded more than 30 years ago by four friends, HUDSON BEACH GLASS is a Dutchess staple. The company makes diverse glass products, like custom kitchenware, and has garnered an impressive global client list, spanning from Hong Kong to Central America.

Today, their studio is in a renovated ice house, while their glass shop resides in an old fire house on Beacon's Main Street.

Longtime tenants of the community, Hudson Beach Glass has experienced the creative growth of Beacon firsthand, which started when DIA:BEACON moved into the city. T o continue to engage with the community, the company teaches glass-blowing classes.
TENWILLOW Studio

Founded by creative duo Daniel Spitzer and Jill Reynolds, TENWILLOW is a glass design partnership specializing in architectural installations. After experiencing rapid growth thanks to word-of-mouth-marketing, the company chose to relocate to Beacon from Brooklyn. Today, TENWILLOW operates in a renovated garage and former funeral home. 

The partnership has a host of international clients, like Germany, Brazil, South Korea and Canada. They have also sold products in every U.S. state, including a custom piece for Whirlpool's HQ in Pittsburgh.

As of now, the company is getting used to their growth, seeking to hire more employees and expanding into designing glassware and drinkware.
Looking for more Dutchess stories?

Read the inaugural issue of Think Dutchess Magazine, a publication dedicated to sharing the success stories, development and innovation happening right here in Dutchess County.  On these pages, you'll find profiles of some of our most creative entrepreneurs and leaders in both business and academia.

 

3 Neptune Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601