Association of the Blind plant working ‘flat-out’

The Albany Business Review reported on the Northeastern Association of the Blind and their growing demand for products made at their factory. The nonprofit has been hiring new employees to help meet the demand. In an economy where nonprofits are slashing programs and staff, NABA faces an enviable dilemma: It’s running out of space.


“We’re flat-out busy. It’s a good problem to have,” said Christopher Burke, NABA’s CEO and executive director.

Manufacturing revenue rose 40 percent in the first six months of the 2008-09 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Burke budgeted for revenue of $3.6 million, but expects to finish with sales of $4 million, up 28 percent from last year’s $2.9 million. One new product is moving so well that NABA plans to hire six to 10 more blind workers this summer.


Until 18 months ago, the 100,000 orange and yellow mesh vests NABA makes for the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York city, state Department of Transportation, state police and other government agencies represented almost all of the nonprofit’s manufacturing income.

In February 2008, NABA expanded its product line. It started partnering with MPE Inc. in Indiana, a uniform manufacturer, to recycle more than 100,000 Tyvek laboratory cleanroom suits a year. NABA customizes the recycled coveralls for Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia and the Long Island Railroad. Their employees wear the suits to paint and clean ships and railroad cars.
Also last year, NABA forged a partnership with Standard Mfg. Co. in Troy, an 85-year-old business that makes uniforms and clothing for 15,000 government agencies, military branches and private companies. The family-owned company employs 75 to 80 people.


For the first time since it opened in 1958, NABA’s factory is making money. Its 3 percent profit margin this year will equate to between $108,000 to $120,000 for programs that aid the 400 blind adults who use the nonprofit’s services.

But more importantly, Burke says, are the jobs the factory provides for blind people who otherwise would be chronically unemployed, on permanent disability and supported with taxpayer dollars. Only 30 percent of blind people of working age are employed, according to the American Foundation for the Blind in New York City. Read more here.