Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that Buckingham Manufacturing, a maker of personal fall protection devices and safety equipment, has expanded its existing facilities in Binghamton. The renovations at its plant allow for increased production and output, and will result in the creation of 15 new jobs while retaining 20 at-risk jobs. This expansion builds on the momentum of the region's Southern Tier Soaring economic revitalization initiative.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Buckingham Manufacturing's decision to continue to grow in the Southern Tier is a tribute to the economic opportunities available here in Upstate New York. Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State has significantly improved its business climate, spurring economic growth and job creation in the Southern Tier and throughout the state."
Founded more than 120 years ago, Buckingham Manufacturing is responsible for the design and manufacture of climbing and work positioning equipment, fall protection gear, and accessories specifically designed for the electric, telecommunications, cable and professional arborist markets.
Buckingham Group General Manager Tim Batty said, “Buckingham would like to thank Empire State Development and New York State for helping provide the resources necessary to compete in the increasingly global marketplace. With their support, we are able to increase the efficiency of our operations to better serve our customers. We look forward to continued partnerships in the future”.
In order to encourage Buckingham Manufacturing to grow production and jobs in New York State, ESD offered a grant of up to $45,000 for the $225,000 project.
Southern Tier REDC Co-Chairs Tom Tranter, President & CEO of Corning Enterprises and Harvey Stenger, President of Binghamton University said, “Supporting companies like Buckingham Manufacturing who are part of the region’s fabric is a very important component of the overall Southern Tier Soaring economic regional plan. Thanks to Governor Cuomo’s commitment to Upstate, the Southern Tier is moving in the right direction.”
State Senator Fred Akshar said, “One of my first business tours after being elected was with the hardworking folks at Buckingham Manufacturing. The Batty family and their entire team of employees have been gutting it out in New York's business climate for years and remained a beacon of sustainable manufacturing jobs in our community. I'm thrilled to see their hard working paying off with this expansion and my thanks to Empire State Development for putting more focus on the Southern Tier.”
State Assembly Member Donna Lupardo said, “Our continued economic recovery relies not only on new development, but on retaining and growing established businesses in the area. For more than 120 years, Buckingham Manufacturing has called Binghamton home; I appreciate their commitment to our community, and the State’s commitment to supporting one of our oldest manufacturers.”
Binghamton Mayor Rich David said, “Buckingham Manufacturing leads the pack with innovation and growth in Binghamton’s manufacturing landscape. I applaud Buckingham for continuing to invest in its facility and workforce to create new jobs. These are the exact kind of well-paying manufacturing jobs and economic revitalization this region needs.”
For more about Buckingham Manufacturing click here.
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 $3.1 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.
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