Will Source Milk from New York Dairy Farms, Supporting the State’s Agricultural Industry
Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that BelGioioso Cheese, one of the nation’s largest specialty cheese producers, plans to build a new 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Glenville, Schenectady County, and create 46 new jobs and retain 31 local employees. In addition, BelGioioso Cheese will be using milk from New York dairy farms, providing a boost to the State’s agricultural industry. To help secure this new investment for New York State, ESD has agreed to provide up to $850,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Across the Capital Region, companies are investing in projects that establish and expand their footprint, and create new jobs in our communities. This project underscores BelGioioso’s commitment to Schenectady County, and highlights New York State’s economic development efforts in Glenville.”
Errico Auricchio, BelGioioso Cheese founder and owner, said, “We plan to build a 100,000-square foot production facility at the Glenville Business and Technology Park that will manufacture fresh mozzarella and other cheese products. The plant represents a $25 million investment by the company and we plan to add nearly 50 new jobs as we increase production capacity. We have been working closely with Schenectady County Metroplex and with Empire State Development to bring this new facility to New York State.”
Founded in 1979, BelGioioso is a specialty producer of all-natural, award-winning Italian cheeses. The cheeses are manufactured, aged, finished, packaged and shipped from the company’s facilities, allowing them to oversee and provide quality control from start to finish. For nearly 40 years, BelGioioso cheeses have set a standard of excellence in the industry, winning several national and international awards for taste and quality. The Green Bay, Wisconsin-based company owns and operates nine manufacturing plants, including the former Cappiello’s plant in Schenectady, that support the production of nearly 30 different cheese varieties.
BelGioioso Cheese has signed a contract with Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority to purchase 40 acres at the Glenville Business and Technology Park, where it will build a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant. The land purchase was recently approved by the United States General Services Administration, and plans for the new facility will be reviewed by the Town of Glenville Planning and Zoning Commission.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “This is great news for New York’s dairy industry at a time when our farmers are facing many challenges. Once the BelGioioso Cheese plant comes online, a number of our New York producers will have another home for their milk. I thank the Governor and Empire State Development, along with its partners, in helping to bring this new facility to New York State.”
Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County, said, “We thank Governor Cuomo and Commissioner Zemsky and his team at Empire State Development for working closely with us to bring this new investment to Schenectady County. This project will result in a new production facility being built here by a national company that could have selected a site anywhere in the United States.”
Ray Gillen, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority Chairman, said, “BelGioioso is known around the world for quality cheese products. We have the skilled workforce, high quality water and a great site that won the day and the deal. We are very thankful for BelGioioso’s decision to build here and we thank the State for their partnership is pursuing these new jobs and this major new investment for Schenectady County.”
Glenville Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle said, “This is a huge win for Glenville and a great team effort by the state, Metroplex, and the town. This is another example of the tremendous growth and progress we are experiencing in Glenville and, specifically, at the Business Park.”
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I LOVE NEW YORK,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.
Contact:
Adam Ostrowski | adam.ostrowski@esd.ny.gov | (518) 292-5148
ESD Press Office | pressoffice@esd.ny.gov | (800) 260-7313