ESD Announces Groundbreaking for Fountainhead Group Expansion in Herkimer County

Empire State Development today announced the groundbreaking for the Fountainhead Group's $19 million, 195,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center at the Schuyler Business Park in the Town of Schuyler, Herkimer County. A leader in global manufacturing, the Fountainhead Group recently celebrated its 133rd year in the Mohawk Valley, providing lawn and garden, and more recently, sanitation sprayer technology across the world.

Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, “Manufacturing is essential to the success of the State’s economy and the Fountainhead Group has been a part of the fabric of the Mohawk Valley for over 130 years.  We are pleased that they are growing their footprint in Herkimer County and continuing to invest in the region, and we are proud to support their growth.”

Dan O’Toole, President of the Fountainhead Group said, “We would to thank Empire State Development for their assistance.  The grant was instrumental to the overall capitalization of our warehouse expansion which will allow our company to continue to grow its business and employee base. “

Mohawk Valley REDC Co-Chair Dr. Marion Terenzio, SUNY Cobleskill President said, “The Fountainhead Group has a long and rich manufacturing history in the Mohawk Valley and on behalf of the Council, we are proud to support their expansion project so they can remain a valued member of the Region and continue to invest and give back to the community for many years to come.” 

The Fountainhead Group will consolidate its warehouse distribution, currently operating out of three locations to one single location at Schuyler Business Park. The administrative offices will remain in New York Mills. Consolidating finished goods will allow for expanded manufacturing capabilities and will streamline operations at its New York Mills location. Empire State Development is supporting this project with a $2.4 million grant recommended by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council during Round VIII of the Regional Council initiative. The Fountainhead Group will retain all 200 employees.

State Senator Peter Oberacker said, “Manufacturing and the Mohawk Valley go hand in hand and the expansion of the Fountainhead Group in Herkimer County is further proof that we have a bright future ahead.  The Herkimer County IDA and our local government officials are to be commended for their vision and leadership in securing this public-private investment, adding to our growing economic portfolio.  With an innovative, locally owned family company like the Fountainhead Group and Herkimer County we have a winning combination and Empire State Development’s stamp of approval reinforces that assertion.”

Assemblyman Brian Miller said, “I am excited to see the groundbreaking for the Fountainhead Group's $19 million, 200,000 square-foot warehouse and distribution center at the Schuyler Business Park. They have been a great employer in this community for over a century and continue to make tremendous strides in their industry. In addition, I would like to thank Empire State Development for their $2.4 million grant, supported by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council.”

Chairman of the Herkimer County Legislature Vincent J. Bono said, “We are excited to welcome the Fountainhead Group into Herkimer County and the town of Schuyler. Their name has been synonymous with quality and excellence for many years and we are pleased that they will be carrying on that tradition here in Herkimer County. We are grateful for Fountainhead’s significant investment in our region - one that will help retain and create new jobs for our residents. Congratulations, welcome and thank you to the Romano family and the employees of Fountainhead.”

Town of Schuyler Supervisor Anthony Lucenti said, “The Town of Schuyler is very excited to welcome the Fountainhead Group to their new distribution center. It was truly a pleasure to work with such a professional and forward-thinking organization. I'm confident that they'll be satisfied with not only our community, but with the efforts of the entire Mohawk Valley in making this venture just one more move forward for the entire region.”

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 Governor Hochul’s 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.

About the Fountainhead Group

Found on the shelves of nearly every retailer and wholesaler, both in the US and abroad, including Ace Hardware, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon, Tractor Supply, and Orgill Hardware, The Fountainhead Group is committed to innovation, manufacturing excellence, and above all, the local community. As a multi-generational, family-owned and operated company, the roots of the Romano family’s commitment to the Greater Utica Area can be felt across their vast portfolio of philanthropic activities, their devotion to the growth of our community and opportunities for the next generation, and their commitment to providing career opportunities for the diverse population of Utica. Currently, the Fountainhead Group employs over 200 employees in their New York Mills office, warehouse, and manufacturing facilities, encompassing more than 11 languages.