Tonawanda, NY According to Empire State Development (ESD), Retech Systems LLC, which makes high-tech titanium melting furnaces for contractors in the aerospace, defense, and medical industries, will be expanding. The company, which has been in operation for more than a half century, has outgrown its headquarters on Northland Ave. in Buffalo. To accommodate the growth, it will lease 70,000 s/f at 175 Milens Rd. to expand manufacturing capabilities and warehouse the current inventory.
The new building is being leased from Uniland Development Company.
“Retech’s expansion marks yet another significant boost for the Western New York economy and further evidence that the manufacturing resurgence in the region is real,” said Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner Hope Knight. “Through the investment and leadership of governor Hochul, a company is rising up and realizing its full potential, while also creating the jobs of the future in the manufacturing sector.”
To facilitate the company’s expansion, ESD is offering up to $500,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job commitments. State support for the project requires the creation of 40 new full-time jobs by 2033 and the retention of 48 jobs in Western New York.
The project will cost $10 million in total. It includes installing a large industrial melting furnace at the Northland location; installation of potentially two additional furnaces; new electrical, piping, and cranes; updating office spaces; and moving equipment to the new Tonawan-da location. Retech’s industrial furnaces vary in size, with some measuring roughly half a football field in length and up to four stories high. Of course, the furnaces being installed at Northland and Milens will be smaller versions. The project is expected to be completed in stages with the last work likely being finished in the early 2025 timeframe.
Retech managing director and president Earl Good said, “Retech is excited to be expanding further in the Buffalo area by moving into the building at 175 Milens Rd. The new space is necessary to meet our manufacturing needs and allow the continued development of new technologies – both for Retech and our customers. We have been happy with the support we have received in the Buffalo area so far, and we look forward to being part of the local community for a long time.”
Retech moved its headquarters from California to Western New York in 2018 to have access to Buffalo’s larger talent pool, particularly the graduates of local engineering programs. The company is also now closer to many of its customers and vendors, and Retech has taken advantage of the opportunity to develop new suppliers in the surrounding areas, which is resulting in the company’s exponential growth.
“We are excited to extend a warm welcome to Retech, as they join our vibrant industrial community within this prime building,” said Uniland CEO Michael Montante. “Together, we embark on a journey of innovation and collaboration for this global industrial machinery manufacturer here in Western New York.”
Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Retech’s expansion is reflective not only of its innovative presence within the manufacturing industry, but of its commitment to our region’s economy and our local workforce. By growing its operations and its employee base, Retech is actively creating opportunities in Western New York, and I applaud their forward-thinking vision and investment in our greater community.”
Senator Sean Ryan said, “I’m thrilled to see the Excelsior Jobs Program helping a local employer create new manufacturing jobs. I commend Retech for recognizing Western New York’s potential back when they moved their headquarters to Buffalo, and I thank them for this additional commitment to our region. It’s great news for the Town of Tonawanda and great news for our local economy.”
Assembly majority leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I applaud Retech Systems LLC on it decision to expand, as well as a thank you for expanding right here in WNY. Businesses’ abilities to sustain operations has been impacted by inflation, supply chain issues, and other unforeseen impediments. Growth is a true testament to Retech Systems’ leadership and the support provided by Governor Hochul, Empire State Development (ESD) President & CEO Hope Knight, and ESD’s staff. Congratulations.”
Assembly member William Conrad said, “Western New York is proud to be a manufacturing hub, and our State is equally proud to support this region’s tech development and the workforce needed to move manufacturing forward here for generations to come. I congratulate Retech on its expansion into the Town of Tonawanda, ensuring its place of prominence as a supplier to some of today’s fastest growing fields, including aerospace engineering and medicine, and I am thankful for Empire State Development’s continued investment in the companies of WNY, and in the creation and retention of jobs across our community.”
Erie County executive Mark Poloncarz said, “The expansion of Retech Systems, LLC is yet another example of Erie County’s booming economy. Businesses outgrowing their space is a ‘good problem’ to have and shows the tremendous turnaround Erie County and our region have experienced in the last ten to fifteen years. I thank Empire State Development and all of our partners who continue to boost our strong manufacturing base, which provide good paying jobs and ladders of economic opportunity.”
City of Buffalo mayor Byron Brown said, “It›s always exciting when a local business undergoes an expansion. Retech System, LLC has demonstrated a significant commitment to manufacturing in our region. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her support of the local workforce, through the Excelsior Jobs Program dozens of jobs will be created through Retech’s expansion.”
Town of Tonawanda supervisor Joseph Emminger said, “Retech is joining a long list of industrial leaders that have chosen Tonawanda to be their home in WNY over the past 100-years. We welcome them and are very grateful to their leadership team and to Governor Hochul for bringing these well-paying jobs into our community!”
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