Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Rochester Insulated Glass has completed phase one of a two-phase expansion of its headquarters in the Town of Manchester in Ontario County.
As part of the expansion, the glass fabrication company committed to creating at least 47 new jobs, and has successfully moved forward in filling 46 new positions. In addition, with assistance from the State, the company agreed to retain 56 at-risk jobs at the Merrick Circle location.
Phase II of the project is expected to be completed in March of 2019. Investing in successful companies supports the strategy of the Finger Lakes Forward initiative which is working to revitalize communities by supporting the regional economy.
“With smart investments and strategic partnerships, New York State is encouraging job creation and boosting local economies in every corner of the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “Working with companies like Rochester Insulated Glass helps us to retain and create jobs for the hardworking men and women of this state and promotes growth for businesses throughout the region.”
“The expansion of Rochester Insulated Glass is continuing to grow the manufacturing industry in the area and create new jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “With this state investment, thefamily-owned glass fabrication company is providing new opportunities in Ontario County and continuing to produce innovative products in New York. We’re committed to investing in companies like RIG to keep moving the Finger Lakes forward and grow the economy.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Rochester Insulated Glass, a leader in high quality glass fabrication, is a third generation, family owned company, that is an important part of the Finger Lakes Region. We are proud to support RIG and its goal of producing high quality products right here in New York State.”
In order to remain competitive, the project includes the purchase of state-of-the-art machinery and equipment that will help drive the company’s success. To support the expansion, Empire State Development is providing a $100,000 Economic Development Fund Capital Grant, as well as up to $600,000 through the Excelsior Tax Credit Program in exchange for promised job creation commitments. The total project cost is $3.35 million.
Tyler Wolk, President of Rochester Insulated Glass said, “New York State’s support for our company is really encouraging. For more than 40 years now we have been supported as well by our outstanding employees who exemplify the exceptional work ethic that this community has to offer, and our plans are to continue to invest in its’ future growth.”
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is also supporting Rochester Insulated Glass with more than 2 megawatts of low-cost power from Governor Cuomo’s ReCharge NY program, which provides qualifying businesses and non-profit organizations with low-cost NYPA power in exchange for commitments to retain or create jobs in New York State.
“The decision by Rochester Insulated Glass to stay and expand in Rochester is great news for the Finger Lakes region,” said Gil Quiniones, NYPA president and CEO. “The Governor’s ReCharge NY program is supporting nearly 380,000 jobs throughout the state and NYPA is proud to leverage its low-cost hydropower to promote economic growth and stability in New York.”
Rochester Insulated Glass, Inc. (RIG) is an innovative glass fabricator founded in 1972 by Stanley and Richard Wolk. Since the inception of the business, RIG has been on the forefront of innovation of products and manufacturing solutions for the architectural flat glass industry. The third-generation family owned and operated business, serves clients in North America and around the globe. RIG’s products have been featured in several major development projects, including the renovation at the Niagara Mohawk Building in Syracuse, The John. F Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and at the Calgary International Airport, among many others.
Senator Pam Helming said, “Today’s announcement is exciting news for our region! The expansion of Rochester Insulted Glass in Manchester is a win for our community and will help drive continued economic development and job creation. Working together, we can improve our economy and create new employment opportunities for local residents. The Wolk family has been committed to our region for generations and Rochester Insulated Glass is a model corporate citizen. They run their business with the highest level of integrity. As State Senator, I will continue to work with the Governor, Empire State Development, my colleagues in the Legislature, and local leaders such as Manchester Supervisor Jeff Gallahan to promote new employment opportunities in upstate New York. Together with the business community, we will continue our aggressive efforts to help local businesses like Rochester Insulted Glass grow, succeed, and create new jobs for local workers and their families.
Ontario County Board Chairman Jack Marren said, “On behalf of the Ontario County BOS I would like to thank Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for providing strategic assistance to RIG as it moves forward with its expansion in the Village of Manchester here in Ontario County. RIG is a high value manufacturer of treated glass products. They serve commercial property developers throughout the world. The tradeable goods made here in Ontario County help sustain good jobs at RIG and have many direct and indirect benefits to the local economy. We congratulate RIG on choosing to expand and securing the future of this great company here.”
For more information about Rochester Insulated Glass, click here.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.1 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.