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Empire State Development Announces Support For Eastman Machine’s Expansion of Its Buffalo Factory

Expansion Will Create New Jobs, Additional Manufacturing Space and Increase Overall Efficiency

Empire State Development (ESD) today announced its support for 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. ESD is providing Eastman Machine Company up to $210,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments. The 7,400-square-foot addition to Eastman’s main building will provide more space for loading docks, materials storage and automated assembly, and will include a new entrance, and is expected to be completed in December 2021.

“Western New York is home to innovative manufacturing companies that have strategically diversified in order to grow,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Eric Gertler. “Eastman Machine is a great example of a global business with Buffalo roots. Five generations of this family-owned business have recognized Western New York as an attractive place to work and live, and their continued investment will help move the region’s economy forward.” 

Eastman Machine Company is a 5th generation family owned manufacturing business located on Washington Street.  Founded in 1888 after developing the first electric fabric cutting machine, Eastman is a leading producer of cutting and material machine manufacturer, providing custom engineered solutions and innovative technologies for a variety of equipment for a variety of industries worldwide from its headquarters in Buffalo and through distributors around the world. With more global attention being put on clean energy, a growing market for the company lately has been the creation of machines that have the ability to cut blades used to produce wind energy.

“Eastman and the Stevenson family have a long history in the city of Buffalo, and we are proud to be one of the oldest continuing manufacturing firms in the city.  With the assistance of New York State, the expansion will enable us to continue to manufacture in the city,” commented Robert Stevenson, President and CEO of Eastman Machine Co.  

The New York Power Authority Board of Trustees recently 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 expansion by Eastman Machine Company is a good project for Buffalo and I’m pleased that NYPA is able to support it as we attempt to turn the page from this crippling pandemic. The Power Authority’s Western New York Power Proceeds program allows for critical financial relief to enterprises in the region as they expand and grow here in New York.”

Senator Tim Kennedy said, "Eastman Machine Company has grown its workforce in Western New York for decades, and this continued commitment only reinforces Buffalo's reputation as an innovative manufacturing hub. I thank Eastman for choosing to stay rooted in the City of Good Neighbors and look forward to many more years of shared investment."

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "I'd like to thank Empire State Development and congratulate Eastman Machine Company on being awarded Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits for their expansion. As one of the oldest companies in Western NY at 125 years old, this investment and expansion will help make Eastman more efficient and help to increase their productivity now and into the future."

Mayor Byron Brown said, "Eastman Machine Company's expansion will allow them to grow and respond to increased worldwide demand for their cutting-edge products.  I thank Empire State Development for its support of one of Buffalo's oldest manufacturing companies, putting them in a good position to continue to grow and provide jobs for years to come."

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 (www.esd.ny.gov). 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 Cuomo’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, 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