ESD Announces Corelle Brands to Invest $50 Million to Modernize Manufacturing Facility and Increase Production in Corning

Investment Complements "Southern Tier Soaring" - The Region's Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced Corelle Brands LLC, a kitchenware products maker and distributor, is moving forward with a $50 million modernization project at its manufacturing facility in Corning, Steuben County. The project, which is being supported by a Southern Tier Soaring Upstate Revitalization Initiative grant, will enable the company to expand production capacity and create 25 new, well-paying jobs while retaining 515 existing jobs.

“In every region of the state, we’re seeing companies expand, bolstering both local and regional economies, and creating new jobs and economic opportunities for New Yorkers,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “Corelle Brands’ significant investment to establish the Corning plant as its “Factory of the Future” will solidify the company’s status as a staple of the community for generations to come.”

Corelle Brands’ modernization project will transform the facility, historically known as the Pressware Plant, into a new “Factory of the Future” by renovating two production tanks (furnaces), activating a third tank and putting new products on the market for the company’s flagship Corelle® brand. The company, which employs nearly 600 people in New York State, has its products sold in retail stores throughout the United States and high-end retailers in parts of Asia, Europe, and South America. Corelle Brands manufactures and distributes products under trusted brand names such as Corelle®, Corningware®, Pyrex®, Visions®, Chicago Cutlery® and OLFA®.

“We are very pleased to be able to make this announcement today to our employees, to the community, and to our dinnerware and bakeware customers around the world. It is fitting to make this significant investment in a facility that has played such an important role in the history of our iconic brands and in the community where these brands were born,” said Kenneth G. Wilkes, President and CEO, Corelle Brands Holdings Inc., and Corelle Brands LLC. “We are committed to continually improve our distinctive products and operations, and help set the standard as a world leader in dinnerware and bakeware. These investments focus on equipping the site with cutting edge product capabilities and process technology to meet the needs of our customers and position the plant to remain globally competitive for the long term. We are thankful for the critical support we are receiving for this project from New York State, the Steuben County IDA and NYSEG.”

To encourage Corelle Brands to move forward with this $50 million investment in the Southern Tier, Empire State Development offered a package of performance-based incentives of up to $9 million. Additionally, the Steuben County Industrial Development Authority offered incentives totaling $546,275; and the New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) is providing significant support.

Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council co-chairs Tom Tranter, President, Corning Enterprises and Harvey Stenger, President, Binghamton University said, “The expansion of Corelle Brands strongly aligns with the Southern Tier Soaring strategic plan by strengthening the region’s manufacturing industry and growing good jobs in a downtown area. We’re pleased to see the company making a major investment that will position its facility in Corning at the forefront Corelle Brands' manufacturing and product innovations.”

Senator Tom O’Mara said, “This is an absolutely outstanding announcement for the future of jobs and economic development in Corning, Steuben County and the Southern Tier region. It's an exciting long-term commitment that secures a unique position in cutting-edge worldwide manufacturing for our region, and it will stand as an important testament to the quality of our local workforce. It marks the type of state-local-private investment that we hope for and that makes all the difference. We are grateful to Corelle for its ongoing commitment to the region and local workers.”

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano said, “First and foremost, thank you to everyone involved in securing this incredible investment in the long-term future of Corning and other local communities, local jobs, local manufacturing and, especially, local workers and their families.  Thank you to Corelle and Corning Incorporated, Empire State Development and the Steuben County IDA, and NYSEG for believing in this area and in the ability of our workers to establish a world leader in modern manufacturing. It's an incredibly exciting leap forward in the world of manufacturing, and we will be fortunate to see it take place right here at home."

Mayor of Corning William Boland, Jr. said, “Corelle Brands has been a major employer and important member of our community for decades, and with this project we look forward to decades more. On behalf of the City of Corning, we thank Corelle Brands for making the decision to invest in our city and New York State for ensuring the company continues to grow and create jobs here at home.”

Jamie Johnson, Executive Director, Steuben County IDA said, “The Steuben County IDA and its board of directors are proud to support this investment by Corelle Brands into the Factory of the Future. Corelle Brands’ commitment to the community will support more than 500 manufacturing jobs providing a significant economic impact throughout the region.”

NYSEG and RG&E President and CEO, Carl A. Taylor said, “The NYSEG business model encourages energy efficient economic growth to help existing businesses expand and attract new investment to New York, while also reinforcing the competitiveness of our manufacturing sector. NYSEG has been actively engaged with Empire State Development, the Steuben County IDA, and other community partners regarding the importance of Corelle Brands expanding its operations in Corning and bringing more jobs to the region. We are proud that our economic development grant assistance to help offset electric infrastructure upgrades needed for this project was instrumental in Corelle Brands' decision to increase its investment in New York.  We congratulate Corelle Brands and wish them continued success.”

About Corelle Brands Holdings Inc.
Corelle Brands Holdings Inc., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, develops, and markets consumer bakeware, dinnerware, kitchen and household tools, rangetop cookware, cutlery, and food storage products in North America and throughout the world. It sells its products primarily under the Corelle®, Corningware®, Pyrex®, Visions®, Chicago Cutlery® and OLFA® trademarks on a wholesale basis to mass merchants, department stores, Dot.com retailers, specialty retailers, and grocery chains, as well as on a retail basis through its own retail stores and the Internet. The company was formerly known as WKI Holding Company, Inc. and changed its name to Corelle Brands Holdings Inc. in February 2018. Corelle Brands employs approximately 600 people in New York State and about 3,000 people worldwide, and has major manufacturing and distribution operations in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Corelle Brands Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 1991 and is based in Rosemont, Illinois. Pyrex and Corningware are registered trademarks of Corning Incorporated, used under license by Corelle Brands LLC. For more information visit www.corellebrands.com.

Accelerating Southern Tier Soaring
Today's announcement complements “Southern Tier Soaring” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $4.6 billion in the region since 2012 to lay for groundwork for the plan – attracting a talented workforce, growing business and driving innovation. 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 Binghamton, Johnson City and Corning as a destination in which to grow and invest. Now, the region is accelerating Southern Tier Soaring 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 10,200 new jobs. More information is available here.

Contact:
Jason Conwall | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313