Kraft’s US$10m investment in upgrading its largest cream cheese manufacturing plant based in Lowville, New York, will be supported by a grant from the state government, officials revealed yesterday (7 September).
The company intends to reconfigure a packaging line at the facility, install advanced waste treatment technologies, and upgrade electrical services to allow for increased peak electrical demand.
Lieutenant Governor Mary O. Donohue said that the move will retain 331 jobs at the plant and supporting a further 377 jobs in the local dairy industry.
“This is tremendous news for Lewis County and for our state’s manufacturing sector,” she said. “This project will not only retain jobs for hardworking New Yorkers, but will also be a huge boost to New York’s local dairy farmers, who supply the milk used at the Lowville plant.”
New York State authorities said that Kraft is eligible for a Manufacturing Assistance Program (MAP) grant of up to $950,000 to assist in the purchase of machinery and other factory improvements.
Jim Durkin, manufacturing vice president for Kraft’s cheese and dairy sector, said: “We truly appreciate the interest of the Lt. Governor and others in New York state government who recognise the value of these jobs and the plant’s contributions to the state and local economy.”
