Schenectady, N.Y. – Schenectady County’s unified economic development team today announced plans by Benchemark Printing to expand bringing more new jobs to Schenectady.
“We are pleased to announce this new investment at Benchemark, helping them expand their business right here in Schenectady County,” said Judy Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “Schenectady County’s job creating efforts continue, building on the momentum from last week’s announcement of an additional 100 jobs by GE at its downtown battery plant.”
Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “This project helps us keep a major employer in the City. We appreciate this new investment by Benchemark and the support of the County and Metroplex for this effort to add jobs and investment in the north side of the City.”
Robert Kosineski Jr, President of Benchemark said, “I would like to thank the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority for supporting our efforts to expand. Benchemark has been a part of the Schenectady community for 27 years and this support is a valued indication of the faith that County and City have in our abilities to continue our growth in the community.”
Funding from Metroplex will help the company acquire two adjoining parcels with almost two acres of land. One of the parcels contains a 7,000 square foot building that will be renovated and expanded to accommodate additional printing orders at Benchemark. The company currently owns and operates an 80,000 square foot building on Maxon Road in Schenectady.
Founded in 1985, Benchemark currently employs 93 workers at the Maxon Road facility including an affiliated business – the American Hospital Patient Guide, Inc. (AHPGI). Both Benchemark Printing and AHPGI are expanding.
American Hospital Patient Guide, Inc. was purchased by Benchemark in 1995. The company produces patient guides for hospitals across the U.S. Patient guides have become a standard publication for patients and their families at many hospitals providing necessary information about admissions, privacy rights as well as general information about the hospital. AHPGI publishes patient guides for more than 250 hospitals nationwide. When Benchemark purchased the company, the AHPGI was servicing 40 hospitals with 6 employees.
Benchemark employs 73 people and AHPGI has a workforce of 20. Both companies anticipate continued growth and expect to hire a total of 12 additional full-time staff over the next three years.
Almost $1 million will be invested to acquire the two adjoining parcels, renovate the 7,000 square foot building and make improvements to the main Benchemark plant. Metroplex is providing a $150,000 grant to help with land acquisition and renovation costs.
Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair said, “As Benchemark continues to land new orders, it was very important for us to provide them with room to grow at their existing site. We are pleased to assist this company to expand and add jobs in our community.”
For more information see www.benchemark.net