2 June 2009 - Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the State has secured an economic development deal with Kraft Foods Inc., to expand their production facility in Avon, and create 50 new full-time jobs.
State funding will come in the form of two $125,000 grants from Empire State Development (ESD) and the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) through the NYS Community Development Block Grant (NYS CDBG) program. Kraft Foods is the second largest food and beverage company in the world, and will install a new Lunchables lunch combinations production line at its Livingston County facility.
“As one of the largest companies in the world, Kraft Foods' decision to expand their commitment to New York demonstrates what we already know: that our state has a talented and highly-educated workforce that is ready to get back to work,” said Governor Paterson. “New York is open for business, and my administration will continue to work with business to spur investment and create jobs.”
Kraft Foods Avon plant currently employs approximately 360 people and anticipates the new line to be operational by late 2009. In the Village of Avon, Kraft manufactures two product lines: Cool Whip whipped topping and Lunchables lunch combinations. Lunchables produced in Avon are shipped for distribution throughout the eastern United States.
ESD Upstate President Dennis Mullen said: “Governor Paterson has made bringing jobs to New York his first priority. We welcome Kraft’s decision to bring new and exciting opportunities to Upstate New York, and are thrilled that such a prominent manufacturer has committed to expanding operations right here in the Finger Lakes Region. Focusing on investments like this help us to maintain a positive outlook, even in such challenging economic times.”
DHCR Commissioner Deborah VanAmerongen said: “We are very pleased to partner with ESD as well as the Village of Avon and with Kraft Foods to bring new business and jobs to Upstate New York. Governor Paterson deserves credit for continuing to position New York as a state that is open for business. With New York facing the difficulties of a severe downturn, it is absolutely essential that we work closely with our public and private partners to maximize our investments and create new economic opportunities.”
“We are excited to partner with the State of New York, Empire State Development, Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and the Village of Avon on this addition to our facility,” said Gregg Manning, Plant Manager for the Avon plant. “This will increase our production capability by one third, and create approximately 50 new jobs.”