Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD) today announced Pratiko Inc., a manufacturing firm based in Richmond, Quebec, has opened its first location in the U.S. at the Charles E. Carter Business Resource Center in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.
“Vermont is a great place to live, work and do business, and we are pleased to serve as Pratiko’s first U.S. location,” said Gov. Scott. “My Administration is committed to growing our economy, and welcoming Pratiko is a positive step as we continue to focus on enhancing our relationship with Quebec and its businesses, as well as helping both our new and existing businesses thrive.”
As it works to grow its book of business in the U.S., Pratiko’s Vermont location will initially focus on facilitating product sales, which include medical devices like automatic braking systems for wheelchairs and rolling walkers. Pratiko conducted a nationwide search for a location and Vermont was chosen from a short list that included Maine, Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas, and New York.
“The Charles Carter Center in St. Johnsbury was the top location that I visited for our U.S. expansion,” said Jean-Marc Landry, Pratiko’s Director of Research and Development. “It is a beautiful facility that will impress our customers while also being affordable, which is very important for a company coming south from Canada.”
Before making its decision to come to Vermont, Pratiko worked with ACCD’s Department of Economic Development, the Northeastern Vermont Development Association, and the Vermont-Quebec Enterprise Initiative – a joint effort of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce and ACCD – to learn more about doing business in the state, make connections to other businesses, and identify its ultimate location.
"We are so delighted that Pratiko chose Vermont,” said ACCD Secretary Michael Schirling. “Pratiko's team and innovative products were impressive when we had the opportunity to meet with them during Gov. Scott’s visit to Quebec City in February.”
Located in the St. Johnsbury-Lyndon Industrial Park, the Business Resource Center is a 16,000-square foot facility that combines manufacturing space with office space. Pratiko joins businesses like River Garden Kitchens and Vermont Aerospace at the multi-tenant Business Resource Center, a flexible space where small businesses can develop and grow.
“Pratiko’s experience in choosing Vermont is illustrative of the collaborative and hands-on approach Vermont offers businesses,” said Department of Economic Development Commissioner Joan Goldstein. “Vermont is becoming a go-to location for Canadian companies looking to enter the U.S. market, which is beneficial for both economies.”
About ACCD
The mission for ACCD is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD is comprised of four Departments: The Department of Economic Development (DED); the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD); the Department of Administration which includes the Office of the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), and the Division of the Vermont Center for Geographic Information (VCGI); and the Department of Tourism and Marketing (VDTM) which also includes Vermont Life Magazine. The Agency reports annually to the Legislature on activities and outcomes.