Empire State Development today announced Plesh Contract Packaging (PCP) is undergoing a $7 million renovation of its manufacturing plant in Western New York, ensuring that the 20 employees currently working at the facility are retained. PCP, a full-service contract packaging company, is located at 711 Northland Avenue, adjacent to Buffalo’s new Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC). The NWTC, a Buffalo Billion initiative announced by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in 2015, will focus primarily on training for careers in the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors.
"As part of our efforts to bring back the economy of Western New York, we have made a commitment to investing in the future of our neighborhoods like the East Side of Buffalo," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "The investment from Plesh Contract Packaging is yet another sign of progress for the Northland Corridor and Buffalo economy. Today's announcement builds on the momentum of the Northland Workforce Training Center and strengthens Western New York's reputation as a leader in 21st Century advanced manufacturing."
Jeff Plesh Sr., President and Ronald Plesh Sr., CEO of Plesh Contract Packaging said, "We are thrilled to be expanding our operations in Buffalo. Northland Avenue is rapidly becoming a hub for the area’s advanced manufacturing workforce. We thank the Empire State Development team for contributing to the project to ensure it came to fruition."
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Plesh Contract Packaging’s $7 million investment and decision to expand its Northland Beltline operations—next to the Northland Workforce Training Center—is another testament to the Buffalo Billion’s smart growth and placemaking strategies that are strengthening and revitalizing advanced manufacturing in Buffalo and Western New York.”
In order to secure Plesh Contract Packaging’s building renovation and addition of machinery and equipment and job retention in Western New York, Empire State Development offered up a $375,000 grant and $162,206 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits.
PCP enables companies to cost effectively outsource development, production and packaging of low to high volume difficult to produce and handle complex products for specialty industrial, commercial, automotive and consumer applications.
Servicing a wide range of markets, Plesh has an in-house lab staffed with experienced chemists and engineers who work with clients to create new formulas, or reverse engineer existing products that remain unpatented in the marketplace. By utilizing a library of over 1600 formulations, they work to provide tailored formulations to help customers get to the marketplace in a fast, efficient and competitive manner.
The company’s products include:
- Waxes
- Pastes
- Polishes
- Cleaners
- Fuel Additives
- Adhesives
- Sealants
- Coatings
- Protectorants
- Nano products
In addition to the state support from ESD, Plesh Contract Packaging also receives 76 kilowatts of low-cost power from the Governor’s ReCharge NY program in return for the firm’s commitment to retain jobs and invest in its operations.
ReCharge NY, administered by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), offers up to seven-year power contracts. Half of the power—455 megawatts (MW)—is from NYPA’s Niagara and St. Lawrence-Franklin D. Roosevelt hydroelectric power plants, which provide some of the greenest, cleanest and lowest-cost electricity in the state. The remaining 455 MW is lower-cost power bought by NYPA on the wholesale market.
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO said, “It is great news for Western New York that Plesh Contract Packaging has chosen to expand its operations. Announcements like this are strong indicators that the Governor’s ReCharge NY program is having significant success all across the state.”
Stephen Tucker President & CEO, Northland Workforce Training Center said, “The expansion of Plesh Contract Packaging operations’ on Buffalo’s East Side with the support of Empire State Development is evidence that our economic development strategy is working. Job creation and retention coupled with education and training is a win, win, win, for businesses, communities and our region.”
Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Plesh Contract Packaging’s expansion announcement comes at the perfect time, when the Northland Corridor will soon become a bustling hub for advanced manufacturing training and resources. Thanks to New York’s investment and commitment to our city, Buffalo continues to be a smart choice for businesses looking to grow and succeed.”
Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I am happy to hear that Plesh Contract Packaging has successfully been able to maintain the 20 positions it currently employs with plans to expand in the future. Buffalo is filled with small innovative and integral companies such as Plesh that allow their clients and larger companies to be successful. A symbiotic business relationship is good for everyone especially local residents and employees.”
Mayor Byron W. Brown said, "I'd like to thank Plesh Contract Packaging for remaining committed to Buffalo's East side with this recent investment of $7 million. This investment ensures that 20 of our hardworking Western New Yorkers will keep their advanced manufacturing jobs right here in the Queen City. Today's announcement is more evidence that the Northland Corridor will be a great place to work and invest."
County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Plesh Contract Manufacturing could have chosen to go anywhere but instead will be expanding here in Erie County, keeping local workers on the job and enhancing Erie County’s reputation as a hot spot for advanced manufacturing. Workforce investments such as this are good news for our economy and for Erie County.”
More information about Plesh Contract Packaging is available here.
Contacts:
Pamm Lent (ESD) |[email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313
Laura Magee (ESD) | [email protected] | (716)-846-8239 I (800) 260-7313