Great Lakes Cheese of New York

Great Lakes Cheese wanted to expand its existing facility located in Adams, NY. The building project involved two phases of construction resulting in a state-of-the-art cheese processing plant which will more than double the former plant”s production capacity. Total project cost: $86 Million.

Project Need(s)
The Company asked for assistance from local, regional and state economic development agencies to assist them in the $86 Million expansion project that would retain 78 jobs, create 12. It would also greatly enhance opportunities for growth for Jefferson County”s Ag business from dairy farms to feed mills.

Project Solution
This project was considered a retention project securing 78 jobs with the promised of 12 additional jobs to be created. Economic Development programs utilized were: sales tax abatements for construction and equipment, Empire Zone benefits, grants through the ESDC”s Manufacturing Assistance Program, as well as ESDC”s grant dollars through the Environmental Investment Program, and a grant from the Governor”s Office for Small Cities. Construction began in late 2007 and Phase II is expected to be completed in 2009.
 
At the expansion announcement in 2007, Mr. Vanic, President and CEO said, “This project would not have come to fruition without the cooperation and support from many resources that helped move the project forward. Assistance and advice were provided by several sources including the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, Empire State Development, Senator Jim Wright, the Empire Zone Program, The Governor”s Office, National Grid, Village of Adams, Jefferson County, NYSERDA, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, and Dairy Marketing Services.”