Local Manufacturer Thrives in Adhesives Industry

Baker Titan Adhesives makes specialized glues used in products ranging from tissues and towels to all sorts of packaging—and the company is doing quite well. In fact, since a 2009 acquisition brought two older firms together to create the current company, Baker Titan has grown from eight employees to 22.

One key to their success is a great deal of specialized expertise. Together, the partners in the firm boast more than 60 years in the industry. They not only make a range of products but also develop custom formulations for special needs, says Bill Zelman, a principal.

Baker Titan’s location in Paterson has also proven advantageous, he says—particularly for transportation. “Most of our customers are located within about 100 miles,” Zelman explains, “and most of our products are delivered by truck. It would be hard to think of a place you could put a business that would have better access to major highways.”

The company occupies a 40,000-square-foot facility within the city’s Urban Enterprise Zone—another advantage. Being located within the UEZ means that a business and its customers both enjoy a 50 percent reduction in state sales tax on nearly every sale or purchase. In addition, Zelman says, the UEZ has helped Baker Titan secure loans on favorable terms—capital that it is hoped will help fuel the adhesive maker’s further growth.
 

Motor Vehicle Commission Expands Paterson Office

Plans are already underway to expand Paterson’s Motor Vehicle Commission office, which opened just four years ago in the city’s Public Safety Garage Complex. The downtown MVC office has brought a new level of convenience to the residents of Paterson and has seen an unexpectedly large volume of business—just one sign of the success of the multi-use Garage Complex.

Built by the Paterson Parking Authority in partnership with Passaic County Community College, the garage was designed to combine parking and retail. In addition to the MVC Office, now expanding to fill the entire second floor, the complex houses a branch of City National Bank and a Subway restaurant. Talks are underway to bring a tenant to the remaining unoccupied space in the building, says Tony Perez, of the Parking Authority.

“For many years,” Perez explains, “the MVC did not have an office in Paterson, and residents had to travel to other communities to get licenses and handle other tasks. Now the office is within easy reach. In fact, people who work, shop, or live in the downtown area can walk there.”

The expanded facility will also offer expanded services—similar to those offered through MCV regional offices.

Plans are taking shape now to fit out the space for the facility. Perez says he anticipates that it will likely be ready for occupancy sometime in the spring.