WEST SENECA, N.Y. (WBEN).....In one of the largest private sector expansions in recent West Seneca history, Upstate Niagara Cooperative Inc. is working on a $325 million project that could double its production facility while adding 130 workers.
Plans call for Upstate Niagara to add 231,410-square-feet to its existing 222,851-square-foot production facility in the North America Corporate Park that overlooks the Route 400 Expressway in West Seneca. Combined, Upstate will have slightly more than 456,000-square-feet in the park, making it the largest operating center in North America Center as well as one of the largest manufacturing complexes in West Seneca.
According to documents filed with the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, the expanded wing will include 200,502-square-feet of manufacturing space and 22,118-square-feet of warehouse space.
"Upstate could have made this expansion at any of their other New York sites but they chose West Seneca," said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, who is also an ECIDA director.
The IDA is offering a total tax break package of nearly $156,000 that is critical for Upstate Niagara's expansion plans.
The IDA is expected to vote on the incentive package in November.
Upstate Niagara's roots go back to 1971. The Lancaster-based cooperative is comprised of 260 dairy farmers from across New York state.
Among the wide menu of products made by the cooperative include milk, yogurt, sour cream dips and cream cheese. Its products are sold under such brands as Upstate Farms, Bison, Milk for Life and Valley Farm along with private label clients.
"Just like you can produce steel, you can produce yogurt,: Poloncarz said. "Expect to see a lot of cranes and construction equipment in West Seneca because of this project."
Work is expected to start this winter and the expansion may be completed next fall.
West Seneca project could add 130 new jobs
West Seneca project could add 130 new jobs
