Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Investment Complements “Southern Tier Soaring” - The Region’s Comprehensive Strategy to Revitalize Communities and Grow the Economy
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced an expansion project at F. M. Howell & Company in Elmira, Chemung County, which is being supported through an $800,000 Capital Grant awarded by the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (STREDC). In order to remain competitive, the packaging and distribution manufacturer plans to install new, state-of-the-art manufacturing and printing equipment at its Howell Packaging division and purchase a new thermoformer for its Howell Plastics division, both in Elmira. The project will allow the company to create 14 new jobs and retain 182 positions at the sites.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “The Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council is working hard to create an environment where businesses like F.M. Howell, which has called the Southern Tier home for more than 130 years, choose to expand and grow for many years to come.”
A fourth generation, family-owned business, F. M. Howell & Company was founded in 1883. Originally, Howell manufactured wooden cigar boxes and later became a high-quality printer of cigar box labels, cigar bands, and menus for hotel restaurants, steamship lines, and railroads. Today, Howell has three divisions and provides packaging products and services to the pharmaceutical, industrial, and consumer products industries. In 2009, the company received national certification as a Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
F. M. & Company Howell President & CEO Katherine Roehlke said, “We are excited to participate in New York State’s initiative to support investment in advanced manufacturing technologies. This project will allow us to continue to grow and remain steadfast in our commitment to the Elmira community.”
The Southern Tier REDC identified the expansion as a priority project in Round VI and, as a result, the company was awarded an $800,000 performance-based grant through ESD. The multi-million dollar renovation project is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.
Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Tom Tranter, President & CEO of Corning Enterprises and Harvey Stenger, President of Binghamton University said, “The regional council is committed to supporting the growth of storied, homegrown businesses like F. M. Howell & Company which has called the Southern Tier home for 135 years. The regionally designed Southern Tier Soaring economic development plan is truly making a difference, spurring economic development and creating good jobs for the region.”
State Senator Tom O’Mara said, "This is a critical state investment to enhance and strengthen the competitive position of one of the Southern Tier's longstanding, renowned and successful manufacturers."
Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli said, “F.M Howell has been a locally owned business in the heart of our community for over 135 years. These monies will allow the company to continue to be a major employer in our region and to be competitive in the global economy. I wish to thank the governor and ESD for the continued support of the business community in the Southern Tier.”
Elmira Mayor Daniel Mandell said, “The City of Elmira is excited about the expansion of F.M. Howell, one of our longstanding, family-owned manufacturers and thanks them for their commitment to City. We also greatly appreciate the commitment of the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council, Empire State Development, and Governor Cuomo for their investment in Elmira’s economy.”
For more information about F. M. Howell & Company, 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 $4.6 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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