E Newsletter April 2007
Rochester Area Company Continues Double Digit Growth
Will Invest $8 Million in Product Line Expansion, Increase Workforce by 120 Percent
Empire State Development Chairman/Upstate Daniel Gundersen today announced that Rochester Insulated Glass (RIG), a leading manufacturer of insulated and heat-treated glass, will invest $8.65 million in a 70,000 square-foot expansion of its existing Manchester-based (Ontario County) facility that would include the creation of new product line capability. RIG is expected to retain all 62 existing jobs and create an additional 75 jobs over the next three years.
“RIG's growth is a wonderful example of the opportunities for business to develop in Upstate New York,” Gundersen said. “It shows how much we can accomplish through public and private partnerships for the good of the State. Empire State Development is pleased to have been part of an effort that will benefit Manchester and the surrounding area for years to come.”
RIG, one of the leading heat-treated and insulated glass manufacturers for the architectural and construction industries, supplies glass throughout the Mid and Southeast United States, and also to high-end retail stores worldwide. As a result of this investment, RIG will expand its product lines to become the only US-based manufacturer of large, treated-glass plates. The company will add 70,000 square feet to the existing 128,000 square-foot Manchester facility where it plans to install new equipment, including a primary electric transformer.
Richard Wolk, president of RIG, said, "We are very pleased to be making this investment in Manchester, NY. My father started this company in New York State 35 years ago. However, as President of a fast growing company, I had to give serious consideration to expanding our company at our Miami, FL facility. I appreciate the partnership of the State and local economic development agencies in putting together package of incentives that will keep our company competitive and growing in New York State."
In recognition of RIG's commitment to New York, the company will be eligible to apply for a $200,000 Capital grant from Empire State Development. RIG is also eligible to apply for a $500,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Small Cities, and a $100,000 federal WIRED grant through the Finger Lakes Wired Partnership. RIG will receive up to $420,000 in grant assistance from Rochester Gas &Electric.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the Wolk family and Rochester Insulated Glass for their decision to expand their business right here in Ontario County, the Finger Lakes region, and New York State,” said Assemblyman Brian Kolb (R,C,I –Canandaigua). “I commend the Wolk family's commitment to the state's manufacturing industry and as Chairman of the Manufacturing Task Force, I will continue to support initiatives like this to create jobs and revitalize our economy.”
Michael Manikowski, Executive Director of the County of Ontario Industrial Development Agency, said, “ Ontario County is very happy to have contributed to the team effort that is resulting in another expansion for Rochester Insulated Glass. Empire State Development, Ontario County OED\OCIDA, and RG&E, with the assistance of Assemblyman Kolb, have teamed again to help one of our valued local manufacturers decide to expand. RIG will be making a major investment and adding good, high-quality manufacturing jobs. We congratulate RIG and look forward to working with them on this exciting project.”
Jim Laurito, president and CEO of RG&E, said, “Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation is pleased to be part of this major manufacturing expansion project and the collaborative effort by our community partners to retain and grow jobs in the Rochester area. RG&E's assistance is part of a commitment to spend $65 million from economic development funds through 2008 to help business customers grow and create jobs.”
Matthew Hurlbutt, Managing Director of the Finger Lakes Partnership, which administers funding from the U.S. Department of Labor's WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) initiative, said, “Rochester Insulated Glass is an important employer in the Finger Lakes region and we are pleased to provide training assistance to help the company upgrade the skills of its workforce. When businesses invest in their people, they enhance workers' long-term employability, career growth, and earnings potential while providing them with the kind of skills that enable companies like Rochester Insulated Glass to attract new business and grow.”
Empire State Development is New York 's chief economic development agency, encompassing business, workforce and community development. ESD also oversees the marketing of “I LOVE NY,” the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.nylovesbiz.com.
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