CHHEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WBEN)....In one of the largest, private sector-backed expansions by a Cheektowaga manufacturer, Niagara Power Transformer is eying a $71 million project that will increase its local employment by at least 73 new jobs.
Despite receiving offers from both Tennessee and North Carolina, Niagara Power is proposing to building a 96,000-square-feet new manufacturing center on Dale Road and, in a later phase, add another 32,000-square-feet to its main, 121,000-square-foot plant - also on Dale Road.
The expansion's will increase Niagara Power's Cheektowaga footprint by more than 80% while seeing its local workforce jump from 146 employees to 219 workers.
"This is a great opportunity for the community," said Brenda McDuffie, Erie County Industrial Development Agency executive director. "Expansions like this are exactly the type of projects we should and we are seeking out."
The ECIDA has crafted an incentive package that was critical for Niagara Power to opt to expand in Cheektowaga. The package includes $1.7 million in sales tax breaks plus a multi-year PILOT (payment-in-lieu-of-taxes) package.
Niagara Power Transformer has corporate roots dating back to the early 1900s.
The expansion comes two years after Niagara Power Transformer was acquired by Houston-based Quanta Services LLC - a Fortune 500 company.
"They had options but they chose to expand here," McDuffie said. "That says something."
Niagara Power has a deep list of clients and is best known for manufacturing custom liquid-filled substation power transformers used in a wide range of industries.
The expansion will take place during the next two years.
Cheektowaga firm to add 73 new jobs, increase footprint by more than 80 percent.
Cheektowaga firm to add 73 new jobs, increase footprint by more than 80 percent.
