Empire State Development (ESD) today announced that leading flexible packaging manufacturer ProAmpac has officially opened its state-of-the-art Collaboration & Innovation center in the Town of Ogden, Monroe County. The company constructed a 25,000 square-foot addition onto its existing facility on Manitou Road. The innovation center will focus on packaging development and design and will also host regional and global consumer packaged goods companies as well as vendors for events and training. ProAmpac had considered building the innovation center out of state but chose to expand at its current location thanks to the support from New York State. With this expansion, the company has committed to hiring up to 40 new employees.
“ProAmpac’s new Collaboration & Innovation Center will create up to 40 new good jobs and spur innovation in Monroe County,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “New York State is proud to attract and support companies like ProAmpac that are manufacturing important products right here in Rochester as we build back stronger and more sustainable than ever.”
Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-designate Eric Gertler said, “ProAmpac’s Collaboration & Innovation Center demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to Monroe County by boosting the local manufacturing sector and providing top-quality jobs. Forward-thinking projects like this one, creating a hub in the region for global packaging design, will help to ensure a more sustainable future for New York.”
Empire State Development is assisting ProAmpac’s innovative project with a $ 350,000 capital grant and up to $1 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job creation commitments. NYPA, which is already providing 140 kilowatts of low-cost power through the ReCharge NY program to the firm to retain its existing jobs, is supporting the expansion project with an additional 40-kilowatt RNY power allocation. Monroe County and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting the company. Total project cost was placed at $8 million.
Gil C. Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO, said, “Congratulations to ProAmpac on the opening of its new center—the completed expansion project allows the firm to hire 40 new employees, which is great news for the Finger Lakes region. Governor Cuomo’s ReCharge NY program has been a tremendous benefit to enterprises across New York, providing low-cost power to businesses in need while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state.”
ProAmpac is a leading manufacturer of flexible packaging with nearly 50 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. The global flexible packaging company brings brand owners and packaging experts together to accelerate advanced technology and increase speed-to-market, package customization and consumer differentiation. The company manufactures innovative and sustainable packing for customers in the food and beverage, health and beauty, lawn and garden, pet, retail and secure packaging industries.
ProAmpac CEO Greg Tucker said, “We are very proud to open the doors of our new Collaboration & Innovation Center to welcome in customers and colleagues to see first-hand the innovation our company is bringing to the flexible packaging industry. With the help of New York State, the Greater Rochester Enterprise, local officials and the many employees that worked tirelessly to bring the planning and construction of this facility to life, we are very thankful. I am confident our new facility will expand ProAmpac’s contributions to the growing global flexible packaging industry.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “ProAmpac’s state-of-the-art Collaboration & Innovation Center in Ogden will allow the company to tap into Monroe County’s highly skilled workforce, innovative thinking and leadership in printing and advanced manufacturing. The advantages of our region continually prove to be a remarkable asset for established companies and up-and-coming enterprises. I thank ProAmpac for their continued commitment to Monroe County, and thank Gov. Cuomo for his continued forward-thinking investments in key industries that will help strengthen our regional economy and provide new opportunities for our residents.
Greater Rochester Enterprise President & CEO Matt Hurlbut said, “ProAmpac’s Collaboration and Innovation Center opening in the Greater Rochester, NY region is a testament to the extensive packaging expertise, talent, and world-class R&D resources available here. Rochester, NY’s long history of innovation in this sector will support ProAmpac’s goal to develop and prototype new packaging solutions for its clients.”
For additional information regarding ProAmpac, click here.