Packaging Manufacturer Will Build a 45,000 Square-Foot Addition in the Town of Lockport
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Bison Bag Co., Inc., has outgrown its current space and will build a 45,000 square-foot addition at its facility located at 5404 Crown Avenue in the Town of Lockport. The company manufactures packaging, mainly for the food industry. Customers include Rich Products, King Nut, U.S. Sugar, Rosina Foods, Tropical Nut, and other food manufacturers located primarily in the Northeast United States. In order to better accommodate demand for its products, Bison Bag will also purchase new machinery and equipment. The company has committed to creating up to 10 new jobs as part of the $4 million expansion project; 90 jobs will be retained.
“The Bison Bag Company’s sustained success and commitment to Niagara County is reflected in its decision to expand locally to meet growing client demand,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Hope Knight. “Governor Hochul’s dedication to retaining small businesses, by supporting forward-thinking projects like this one, will continue to strengthen the economy and create high-quality jobs in Niagara County and across the state.”
Founded in 1968, current leadership at Bison has been at the forefront since 1999. With $32 million in annual sales, Bison is a market leader in providing innovative packaging solutions for the food industry, including custom-printed plastic bags, custom-printed pouches and rollstock.
The expansion project involves the construction of a 45,000 square-foot addition to its current 92,000 square-feet facility. The addition will be a steel structure made to house food-grade materials. Upon completion, the current warehouse will be moved into the new addition while the existing warehouse area will be converted into additional manufacturing space. A laminator, slitter, and Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer will be purchased to support new markets that Bison previously hasn’t been able to compete in.
“Bison Bag’s continued success is the result of our team’s dedication and commitment to quality and customer care. We look forward to the next phase of expanding and investing in our products, service, and team,” said Bison Bag Co. President Scott Zgoda. “We are grateful to Empire State Development for providing us with an opportunity to advance our business. Western New York is an Ideal place for us to operate, service our customer base, and further expand our offerings.”
ESD will provide Bison Bag up to $143,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in exchange for job creation commitments.
The new positions at Bison Bag include machine operators, warehouse attendants and quality technicians with an average annual salary of $46,600. Bison Bag expects to be operational in the new space by Fall 2022. Additional information on Bison Bag Co., Inc. can be found here.
Tom Sy, Town of Lockport Coordinator of Economic Development said, “The Town of Lockport IDA was pleased to be able to support Bison Bag’s third expansion in our IDA Park. Bison Bag has received support from Town IDA in previous projects and is a tremendous success story. Bison Bag is an innovative and ever-forward company that will now employee over 100 employees in the Town of Lockport.”
Senator Robert Ortt said, “As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, our state must be laser-focused on assisting and supporting small businesses across New York. Bison Bag’s expansion is welcome news as their growth will help provide new and exciting employment opportunities for Niagara County residents. Small businesses are the backbone of our Western New York economy, and we must continue our work to provide these vital job creators an economic climate that they are able to flourish within. I want to congratulate Bison Bag Co. on their success and wish them the best of luck as they continue to operate in our community.”
Assembly Member Michael Norris said, "Especially during this time, it is critical that New York State continues to invest in local business to grow high quality, competitive and long-term jobs to retain our greatest asset, our people. I commend this project and look forward working with my colleagues in State and local government to continue to grow our economy in Western New York. "
Rebecca Wydysh, Niagara County Legislature Chairperson said, "We are very excited about the expansion of Bison Bag as it is another tremendous example that Niagara County is a great place to own, operate and hopefully expand your business. Bison Bag has long history in Niagara County and has been one of the companies on the radar of our Business Retention and Expansion program over the years. I congratulate them on their success."
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency. The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309
Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239