Empire State Development meetings

Vacuum and Heat Transfer Equipment Manufacturer Renovating and Adding on to Facility in City of Batavia Investment Complements “Finger Lakes Forward” – The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy Empire State Development (ED) today announced that vacuum and heat transfer manufacturer Graham Corporation is renovating and expanding its operations in the City of Batavia, Genesee County. In order to diversify its business operation, the company is converting its current warehouse space on Florence Avenue into office and lab space and has constructed additional warehouse and manufacturing space which will allow the company to double the size of its welding training program. As a result of the expansion, the company plans to create up to 10 new jobs;291 jobs are being retained.  Now underway, Graham Corporation expects to complete the expansion in by the end of the year. Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “Graham Corporation’s decision to grow in Genesee County will expand its onsite training program, create new high-tech manufacturing jobs and reflects the success of our continued laser-focused strategy to support and revitalize the Finger Lakes economy.” Headquartered in Batavia since 1936, Graham Corporation designs and builds vacuum and heat transfer equipment for process industries and energy markets worldwide. Graham equipment enables its customers to produce synthetic fibers, chemicals, petroleum products, electric power, processed food, pharmaceutical products, paper, steel, fertilizers, and many other products that are used every day by people around the globe. Graham Corporation President & CEO James R. Lines said, “The Graham Corporation is respected worldwide for high quality made-to-order equipment. We have operated from our headquarters in Batavia since our earliest beginnings and continue to offer challenging and rewarding careers. Today's global competition is fierce so we need to continue to innovate and extend our competences in new and exciting ways in order to thrive. We remain committed to our upstate New York campus and value the support of Empire State Development and Genesee County to take full advantage of the growth opportunities before us.” ESD is assisting Graham Corporation with the expansion plan with up to $250,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for its job creation commitment. Genesee County is also assisting with the project. The total project cost has been placed at a little more than $2 million. Genesee County is also providing incentives for the project. State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer said, “I am pleased to learn that Graham Corporation will be expanding in Batavia.  Their commitment to Genesee County and the addition of new jobs to the community is to be commended.” State Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “Supporting and expanding job creation and economic development are always priorities of mine because they not only benefit small businesses but recent college graduates looking for work and local residents who benefit from a stable tax base. Improving our communities’ prosperity and bolstering our economic profile for years to come is something we can all be thankful for. I would like to personally thank the Graham Corporation for its commitment to Batavia, Genesee County and Western New York, and I look forward to their continued growth and success.” Batavia City Council President Eugene Jankowski, Jr. said, “I would like to thank Graham Corporation for over 80 years of service as one of Batavia's largest employer and manufacturer. Their Investment in the community, additional employment opportunities and training will be a major benefit to our area.” GCEDC President & CEO Steven G. Hyde said, “Graham Manufacturing’s investment into their operations and expanded training facilities continues a strong commitment to growing their business and Genesee County’s economy. The GCEDC was pleased to support Graham Manufacturing’s next phase of growth in Batavia and the active role the company takes in building our next generation of talented workers and leaders.” For additional information about Graham Corporation, click here. Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward  Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.1 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in. Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here. ​ Contact: Shari Voorhees-Vincent | [email protected] | (585) 399-7055 Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313