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Empire State Development Announces the Completion of Eastman Machine’s Buffalo Facility Expansion

Expansion is Creating New Jobs, Additional Manufacturing Space and Increasing Overall Efficiency

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced the completion of Eastman Machine Company’s $1.6 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in downtown Buffalo, retaining its existing 124-person workforce and creating six new jobs. The company is a leading manufacturer of cutting machines and customized cutting solutions, with customers located in more than 100 countries.

“Western New York is home to a wide variety of innovative manufacturing companies, like Eastman Machine, that have strategically diversified to grow and respond to increased worldwide demand for their cutting-edge products,” said ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight.  “We thank this family-owned, fifth generation business for investing in its employees and in the community, and for helping to further advance Buffalo’s thriving manufacturing sector.”

ESD is providing Eastman Machine Company up to $210,000 in performance-based New York State Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in exchange for job creation commitments. The 7,400-square-foot addition to Eastman’s main building includes a high bay area, two new docks and new entry and foyer.  The expansion will result in increased throughput, capacity and efficiency.   Expansion activities also include a state-of-the-art showroom to host Eastman’s global visitors.

Eastman Machine Company is a fifth generation, family-owned manufacturing business located on Washington Street.  Founded in 1888 after developing the first electric fabric cutting machine, Eastman is a leading cutting and material machine manufacturer.  From its headquarters in Buffalo and through distributors around the world, the company provides custom engineered cutting and material handling solutions and innovative technologies for a variety of industries worldwide.   

Robert Stevenson, CEO of Eastman Machine Co. said, “It’s an innate step forward for Eastman. We need the room to continue giving our customers and prospects individualized attention.”

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) Board of Trustees also approved a funding award of $170,000 to Eastman Machine Company for its expansion as part of a wide array of NYPA economic development incentives in Western New York and around the state. 

NYPA Chairman and Buffalo resident John R. Koelmel said, “The Niagara Power Project is a staple of Western New York’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs in the region. NYPA is proud to support Eastman’s expansion as they continue to provide cutting-edge solutions to manufacturers worldwide.”

Senator Tim Kennedy said, “Eastman’s expansion is not only an example of their commitment to Western New York’s workforce, but of their continued investment in our region’s economy as a whole. For five generations, Eastman’s leadership has actively chosen to grow its manufacturing business in the Queen City, and this latest evolution underscores its noteworthy intentions to stay rooted in Buffalo long-term.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “I’d like to congratulate Eastman Machine Company on their recent expansion. Eastman is a multi-generation, family-owned, international business residing in the heart of downtown Buffalo. This expansion will allow Eastman Machine Company to increase its operational efficiencies and capacities, hopefully allowing them to grow even more.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown said, “In order to continue to grow our City’s economy and create more good-paying jobs, it’s important to support our existing businesses and help them expand their operations.  The completion of yet another successful expansion at the Eastman Machine facility in downtown Buffalo is a great example of its commitment to global growth in American manufacturing, the future of its expanding workforce and its continued dedication to the Buffalo community. I also want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for providing the support needed to complete this $1.6 million expansion project at one our city’s oldest family-owned manufacturers, a meaningful and important endeavor that will benefit our entire community and further strengthen Buffalo’s manufacturing sector.”

About Eastman Machine Company

Eastman Machine Company is a cutting machine manufacturer, providing custom engineered solutions and innovative technologies for a variety of industries. Eastman offers the industry’s widest range of classic, hand-held and manually operated fabric cutting machines; as well as a comprehensive line of fully automated, computerized cutting and plotting systems. Manufactured with the highest quality materials, built to precise specifications, and subject to rigorous testing, Eastman’s line of cutting systems have been setting the standard for over a century. Matched to specific customer needs, Eastman has a solution for virtually every cutting requirement.

To learn more about Eastman Machine and its mission, watch the company profile video: More Than a Machine.

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. Using 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, 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