$21.2 Million Route 11 Bridge Project Incorporates KLAW’s Pantheon™ for Enhanced Sustainability
Koffman Southern Tier Incubator member company KLAW Industries is transforming the construction industry with its innovative product, Pantheon™, a clean concrete made from recycled glass. Seventy-four tons of KLAW’s material are being used in a newly announced $21.2 million Route 11 bridge project in Whitney Point, a major infrastructure initiative by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) aimed at enhancing sustainability.
The Route 11 bridge project involves replacing the aging bridge over the Tioughnioga River, constructing 1.5 miles of ADA-compliant sidewalks, and installing new crosswalks at key locations such as Whitney Point Middle School and the Broome County Fairgrounds. The bridge, which serves over 11,000 vehicles daily, is crucial for regional transportation and community connectivity. By incorporating Pantheon™, the project not only boosts infrastructure resilience but also supports New York’s climate goals by lowering carbon emissions and improving concrete strength.
KLAW Industries was founded by Jacob Kumpon ’22, an alum of Binghamton University’s Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science, and Jack Lamuraglia, Clarkson University ’21. While still in college, they developed Pantheon™, driven by the need for a sustainable solution to manage contaminated glass, which often ends up in landfills. Pantheon™ not only diverts waste glass from landfills but also enhances the compressive strength of concrete and reduces its carbon footprint, making it a groundbreaking product in sustainable construction.
“We are honored and humbled to take this step with the New York State DOT,” said Kumpon. “KLAW Industries would not exist without the many individuals and organizations who helped us grow this innovation. We thank those who believed that a team of young college students from Binghamton could change an industry. This marks our company’s transition out of the startup phase, and we’re excited for this next chapter.”
Since its inception at the Koffman, KLAW Industries has grown significantly, raising over $1.8 million in non-dilutive funding and establishing a 6,000-square-foot production facility in Binghamton. Their collaboration with local concrete and construction companies has facilitated the widespread adoption of Pantheon™. The company’s innovative approach has earned it national recognition, including an award from the American Concrete Institute.
The Koffman has played a pivotal role in KLAW Industries’ success, providing essential resources and mentorship. This support has enabled KLAW to transition from a startup into a key player in the sustainable construction industry. The Koffman’s emphasis on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship underscores the importance of community support in advancing technological and sustainable solutions.
“KLAW Industries exemplifies the innovative spirit we nurture at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator,” said Clean Energy Incubator Program Director Mike Jagielski. “Their work demonstrates how sustainable materials can revolutionize the construction industry. We’re proud to support KLAW as they continue to grow and make significant contributions to both our local community and the broader concrete industry. The drive, passion, and creativity the team exhibits in everything they do never ceases to amaze me.”
KLAW Industries is poised for further expansion, aiming to extend its impact nationally and globally. Continued collaboration with government and private sectors will be crucial in promoting sustainability in construction. The success of the Route 11 project, enhanced by Pantheon™, marks just the beginning of KLAW’s potential to revolutionize the industry.
