Emmi Roth USA Expanding Upstate New York Operations

Posted by Heidi Schwartz

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that Emmi Roth USA, a producer of specialty cheeses and dairy products, is expanding its operations and retaining its workforce in Orangeburg and Penn Yan, in addition to creating 50 new positions in Penn Yan. Emmi Penn Yan will acquire production equipment and expand its existing structure in order to grow its market share in North America, building on New York’s success as America’s official Yogurt Capital.

siggis“Agriculture is a major source of economic activity in Upstate New York, and this announcement is another example of how the State is working to support the industry in order to create new opportunities for New Yorkers in the area,” Gov. Cuomo said. “The expansion of Emmi Roth USA in Penn Yan and Orangeburg will mean a stronger regional economy and further growth in the dairy industry. This company made the right decision in choosing Upstate New York for its investment, and I look forward to seeing them help us defend our title as the yogurt capital of the nation.”

Emmi Penn Yan’s manufacturing facility produces Siggi’s brand yogurt, as well as bag-in-box milk and creamers for foodservice dispensers. The facility is currently at capacity and must make investments to grow its market share in North America. The company’s $11.6 million multi-year investment project, which includes hiring new talent in dairy production and attracting new investment focused on food processing, makes this project fall squarely within the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Council’s (FLREDC) strategic plan.

Lt. Gov. Robert J. Duffy said, “Today’s dairy industry is experiencing unparalleled growth, and thanks to Gov. Cuomo’s leadership, New York State is a global leader in the production and manufacturing of yogurt. With an expanded workforce and business facilities, Emmi Penn Yan will extend job opportunities in the Finger Lakes and continue to cement Upstate New York as the place for yogurt production.”

“Emmi Roth USA is very appreciative of the support by Gov. Cuomo and Empire State Development,” said Emmi Roth USA Chairman of the Board Matthias Kunz. “When we established our operations we certainly had choices, and making our choice to locate in Penn Yan has turned out to be a very positive one. With the great workforce, access to quality dairy products as well as access to our markets, we are very happy to be in Yates County, NY.”

New York State surpassed California in 2012 as the nation’s leader in yogurt production. The dairy industry is New York’s leading agricultural sector, accounting for more than one-half of the state’s total agricultural receipts. In 2013, New York State became the country’s third largest producer of milk. Compared to 2012, New York’s milk production increased by 2.2 percent in 2013, compared to 0.4 percent growth nationwide. This strong growth represents the fourth consecutive year that New York has registered an increase in milk production. To encourage Emmi Penn Yan to proceed with its expansion in Penn Yan and build on the industry’s growth in the State, Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $400,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, which are tied directly to the company’s job creation and investment commitments.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “The dairy industry is New York State’s leading agricultural sector and one of our top priorities is encouraging the growth of agri-businesses. Emmi Roth USA will soon be expanding in Penn Yan, a beautiful part of the Finger Lakes and a perfect spot to increase yogurt manufacturing and create jobs.”

Senator Tom O’Mara said, “It’s great news that Emmi Roth will continue to help anchor the local economy, expand its operation in Penn Yan and create new jobs. New York State needs to keep taking steps, through incentives like this one and other initiatives tied directly to job creation and capital investment, to strengthen our critical local industries. The dairy industry has long been a mainstay of rural, upstate communities, and we have to keep upstate manufacturers and producers like Emmi Roth growing and succeeding.”

Finger Lakes Economic Development Center and Yates County Industrial Development Agency CEO Steve Griffin said, “Emmi-Roth continues to be our fastest growing manufacturer and we are elated that they are investing further in their Penn Yan facility. Yates County has seen tremendous private sector growth and investment in the last few years and this is another great example of our continued success. We appreciate the assistance from Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development helping Emmi-Roth’s continued growth in Penn Yan.”