Governor Cuomo celebrates American Packaging plant groundbreaking; 350,000 s/f manufacturing plant to create 260+ jobs

Chili, NY According to governor Andrew Cuomo, American Packaging Corp. has broken ground on a new 350,000 s/f manufacturing plant in Monroe County that will lead to the creation of more than 260 full-time jobs over the next five years. The project will also create more than 100 construction jobs and ensure 170 employees currently working at the company’s Rochester plant are retained.

“American Packaging’s $170 million investment and decision to expand in Monroe County is proof-positive that we are attracting 21st Century companies to add to this region’s economic momentum and move the Finger Lakes forward,” governor Cuomo said. “This project will not only boost the local manufacturing sector and provide job opportunities to more than 260 residents, it will strengthen the regional economy and support a more sustainable community for generations to come.”

American Packaging had planned to construct their new plant near its facilities in Iowa, however, through governor Cuomo’s Upstate revitalization and the Finger Lakes Forward strategic plan, along with other local support efforts, the company decided to stay and expand. The facility is expected to be operational by December.

In order to secure American Packaging’s expansion and job growth in Upstate New York, Empire State Development offered up to $14.7 million in performance-based incentives, including $7.7 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative grants and $7 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits. Rochester Gas and Electric provided the company with up to $870,000 in grant funding for electric and gas infrastructure and Monroe County also provided tax exemption benefits through COMIDA. American Packaging is investing nearly $170 million in this project. 

American Packaging is a family-owned, flexible packaging converter and a renowned leader in the North American packaging industry. Founded in 1902, APC serves a wide range of markets, specializing in flexographic and rotogravure printing; multi-ply extrusion and adhesive lamination of film, paper, and foil; and pouch and bag fabrication to meet a variety of requirements.

The company’s flexible packaging products offer exceptional environmental benefits as they use less energy and fewer resources. The company has also partnered with the Rochester Institute of Technology by funding the Center for Packaging Innovation on campus. Funding from the Wegmans Family Charitable Foundation was used to establish the center.

American Packaging president and CEO Peter Schottland said, “We are thrilled to be expanding our business in the greater-Rochester area. American Packaging is headquartered here and this is where my family calls home, so being able to grow here and provide great job opportunities in the area is something we are particularly excited about. We want to thank governor Cuomo and his team’s efforts for contributing to the project to ensure it came to fruition.”

Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Under governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State has significantly improved the business climate and shined a spotlight on the Finger Lakes region’s strengths, leveraging its assets to attract new investment and bring new jobs to the region.”

Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Monroe Community College president Anne Kress and Wegmans Food Markets chairman Danny Wegman said, “We want to thank governor Cuomo for his efforts which ensured that this storied company remained an important part of our regions’ economic future. Through its partnership with RIT and The Wegmans Family Charitable Foundation, APC is working hard to find solutions that will enable the grocery industry to continue to provide products in a sustainable manner. Supporting companies like APC is an incredibly important part of the Finger Lakes Forward economic development plan.”

Senator Joseph Robach said, “Today’s announcement that American Packaging Corp. have broken ground on a new manufacturing plant is certainly exciting news for Monroe County. American Packaging’s expansion in our area means more jobs for the residents of our community and the retention of those currently employed by the company. With their focus on sustainability and the future, American Packaging is just another example of how Rochester and Monroe County is a leader in 21st Century innovation.”

Senator Michael Ranzenhofer said, “American Packaging is helping to strengthen our local economy by investing $170 million and creating 260 permanent jobs. I applaud the company for selecting Monroe County to invest and grow.”

Assembly member Harry Bronson said, “The groundbreaking of American Packaging’s new plant is yet another step forward in our region’s economic resurgence. Not only will this project create much-needed jobs, it will also help to stimulate the growth of Upstate New York’s innovative business climate. I applaud governor Cuomo and the members of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council for their continued commitment to moving our region forward.”

Monroe County executive Cheryl Dinolfo said, “I am excited to celebrate the start of American Packaging’s expansion project. Our county team was heavily involved with the project’s site selection from day one and I am proud that the end result will be this expanded facility right here in Monroe County. With over 300 jobs created, it means hundreds more opportunities for local workers. This is a true win-win because when our businesses thrive, our residents and families succeed as well.”

Chili town supervisor David Dunning said, “Nothing can replace the value of a steady, quality job and today we are building on that belief to the benefit of more than 400 Monroe County residents. The protection of 170 jobs and the creation of 262 more is great news for our entire region and I thank the Governor and American Packaging for making it a reality.”

Greater Rochester Enterprise interim president and CEO Matt Hurlbut said, “Availability of top-tier talent throughout the Greater Rochester region and access to R&D resources at RIT’s Department of Packaging Science provides unique, competitive assets to fuel American Packaging’s long term innovations.”

Mark Lynch, president and CEO of RG&E said, “RG&E is pleased to support American Packaging Corp.’s continued growth and the benefits it brings to the region. We are proud to be a key player in preserving jobs and bringing new jobs to upstate New York through our long-standing economic development programs. The grants we provide are excellent catalysts to help businesses grow.”