Governor Hochul Announces State Support for Refresco Beverages Expansion to Create New Jobs at Chautauqua County Plant

Dunkirk Company Will Invest $13 Million to Expand Warehousing and Distribution Capabilities

Builds on Governor’s Recent Investments to Boost Manufacturing Sector and Expand Economic Opportunity in City of Dunkirk

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Refresco Beverage will acquire a facility in Dunkirk to expand its warehousing and distribution capabilities, thanks to $500,000 in performance-based tax credits and a $500,000 Regional Economic Development Council Capital Grant. The project will support the existing 350 full-time jobs and create an additional 10 full-time jobs over the next five years, providing competitive salaries and benefits.

“By creating and supporting good jobs in Chautauqua County, Refresco’s expansion will build on the company’s long-standing role as a critical part of the region’s economy,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration will continue to support important projects like this that invest in the future of New York and help lay the foundation for economic growth for generations to come.”

Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for Global, National and Emerging brands, and retailers with production in Europe, North America, and Australia, and has over 13,000 employees globally. It produces and bottles fruit and vegetable juices, mineral water, iced tea, sports drinks and carbonated beverages, for a total of almost 15 billion liters annually.

The beverage company purchased the long-vacant Kraft and ConAgra building, located at 26 East Talcott Street, from the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency. Built in 1960, the three-story industrial food production facility includes a large warehouse space, office space, cold storage, a tank room, loading docks, and four rail sidings.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Refresco Beverages is a strong partner in the local business community, producing world-class beverages and contributing to the regional economy. Governor Hochul is proud to support this expansion project, which will both create jobs for Chautauqua County and grow the region’s beverage industry.”

Read the full press release here.