Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Specialty Quality Packaging, a leading manufacturer of paper and packaging products for the food industry, will invest nearly $8 million to expand its manufacturing plant in the Glenville Business and Technology Park in Schenectady County. The company will create 45 new positions as part of the expansion project. To help secure this investment for New York State, Empire State Development will provide up to $900,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, and Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority is providing local assistance.
“Special Quality Product’s further job creation is supporting the continual progress we’ve made in Schenectady County,” Governor Cuomo said. “We will continue to support the growth of this state’s business sector and the creation of quality, good-paying jobs across New York.”
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “This project is a result of our collaboration with Metroplex and local partners to encourage new development in the Glenville Business and Technology Park. By working with local communities, the State is fostering sustainable job growth and strengthening our regional economies.”
SQP will purchase a vacant 120,000-square foot building adjacent to its current operation, and connect the buildings as a single 240,000-square foot manufacturing facility. The company, which considered locations in multiple states before selecting New York State for the expansion, will create 45 positions at this facility. Additionally, the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority is including a sales tax exemption on construction materials used to renovate the expanded complex and other additional local assistance.
SQP manufactures a range of paper products including bio-degradable food trays used by school districts and stadiums, as well as containers used by national restaurant chains. The company is a leader in producing materials that can be recycled and composted. SQP purchased the Glenville plant in 2006 after another owner announced the plant closure, rehiring 40 workers who were about to lose their jobs. They have since grown the Glenville operation to nearly 150 employees.
Adam Epstein, SQP President, said, “We are pleased to announce this plan to double the production space at our manufacturing plant in Schenectady County. After looking at many other options, this is the right location to keep SQP growing and we are grateful to our dedicated employees and to the State of New York, Schenectady County and Glenville for working with us to expand our operations.”
Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature, said, “We are excited that SQP will continue to call the Glenville Business and Technology Park their home while adding manufacturing jobs in our community. We thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Zemsky for working closely with us to ensure that this industry leader continues to grow right here in Schenectady County.”
Glenville Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle said, “This announcement is another example of the growth taking place in the Glenville Business and Technology Park. We’re excited to welcome the new jobs that this expansion will generate, and this investment in the Park is another significant step in completing the revitalization of this important commercial hub. I would like to thank the Governor, the leadership at ESD and Ray Gillen at Metroplex for all their hard work in making this happen.”
Ray Gillen, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority Chairman, said, “SQP is a leader in providing paper products to the food industry and is national company that could have located anywhere. We are very pleased to see this expansion take place at the Glenville Business and Technology Park in Schenectady County and we are very grateful to Governor Cuomo and ESD for working so hard to make this plant expansion a reality.”
Additional news available at www.governor.ny.gov
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