plant begins production. Board members were unanimous in their agreement that, going forward, the plant will benefit not only the immediate area but the entire eastern seaboard, including the agriculture sector.
By Jeff Martin
Record inflation and labor-related costs have pushed the Great Lakes Cheese company’s project outside Franklinville to $718 million.
The modification request was made on Dec. 12 at the regular meeting of the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency’s meeting. The approximate $97 million request, $50 million of which is subject to sales tax and $4 million in sales tax exemptions, was the second modification of 2023. The first was in April, when the Ohio-based company requested a $121 million increase for the same reasons.
Corey Wiktor, executive director of the agency, said during the meeting that the request was not at all surprising.
“This project has had a bit of a floating number,” he said. “If there’s any question as to their commitment to this region, I think this modification galvanizes it. It’s unwavering.”
Wiktor said the company plans to start packaging operations on Feb. 24, with the rest of the facility following in late 2024 and early 2025. The majority of the jobs will be located in the packaging portion of the facility, according to plant officials. The processing areas, which will take raw cows’ milk and process it into product, are more systems controlled and will not require as many employees.
IDA board member Brent Driscoll asked if this modification is enough to finish the project. Wiktor said it was.
Five hundred employees will work at the plant, with 230 coming from the Great Lakes Cheese plant in Cuba. That plant will close once the new plant begins production. Board members were unanimous in their agreement that, going forward, the plant will benefit not only the immediate area but the entire eastern seaboard, including the agriculture sector.
Wiktor said the company is seeing increased interest in applicants. The company is also visiting local schools and giving presentations about employment at the facility.
A public hearing will be scheduled for the future in Farmersville regarding the modification. The IDA board will then vote on the matter.
In other news from the meeting:
The Microtel Inn & Suites, Route 417 in Allegany, will get what owners call a much-needed upgrade. The 50-room property will see $1.7 million in improvements, including a complete interior renovation to the drywall, as well as furniture throughout the property.
The renovations are tentatively scheduled to begin in January and completed by mid-May just in time for St. Bonaventure University graduation.
The Allegany hotel opened in 2004. The company operates 13 similar properties.