Oct. 29, 2004: Huhtamaki Provides
Expansion Update
FULTON, NY--Huhtamaki Consumer
Packaging provided the following update of its ongoing expansion
project and plans for modernization of its warehousing facility
at its plant in Fulton:
Addition of Ben and Jerry’s
Packaging Business
- Huhtamaki was awarded Ben and Jerry’s
packaging business in February 2004;
- Thirty-five new employees were hired
in the second quarter;
- The transition of the business to Fulton
included a $1.1million project to provide production tooling and
equipment necessary to manufacture the product;
- Production runs began in September and
the full transition of business will be complete by early November;
- Due to the addition of the Ben and Jerry’s
volume and strong growth of existing business, Huhtamaki expanded
to a 24/7 operation in most departments; and
- This has resulted in the hiring of an
additional 25 new employees for a total of 60 new jobs since the
second quarter.
Storage and Product Flow
- Several phases of machinery moves within
the plant have been completed this year including a new machine
room utilizing a warehouse expansion that was built in 2000-01,
which included the closing of First Street; and
- To meet the storage demand, a warehouse
optimization project is planned to begin in the first quarter
of 2005. This will include the relocation and expansion of the
dock door currently located on Division Street to the wall of
the warehouse which adjoins the former scrap yard property now
owned by Oswego County. This property will be utilized to expand
shipping capabilities by providing more dock space and trailer
staging areas. It will also alleviate congestion on Division Street
due to the physical constraints of the existing dock location.
A New York State grant of $100,000 secured by Sen. James Wright
was a significant factor toward advancing this specific project.
“I am pleased to be able to secure
the $100,000 state grant for Huhtamaki’s most recent expansion.
Today’s update is a prime example of how cooperative efforts
benefit economic development. Huhtamaki’s accomplishments
are a sure sign that the partnering relationship between the private
sector, state and local agencies is working. This outstanding business
has improved its operations by adding new employees, expanding its
customer base with the addition of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream
and extending its production hours to around the clock. The company
has had an outstanding year and deserves our congratulations and
best wishes for continued success,” said Sen. Wright.
Assemblyman Will Barclay said, “I am
pleased to be here today to take part in reporting on Huhtamaki’s
expansion project and its plans for the future. With Huhtamaki being
awarded Ben and Jerry’s packaging business, it has been able
to create jobs and expand its operation. This is a big boost for
our local economy. Huhtamaki and the great economic development
team we have in Oswego County have done a great job in making this
announcement possible. I look forward to Huhtamaki’s continued
success in the future.”
"The Oswego County Legislature is very
pleased to be a part of the success of Huhtamaki through Operation
Oswego County. The positive impact of Huhtamaki's expansion project
will be realized throughout the County. Huhtamaki continues to be
especially important to our local workforce and ever-growing success
of area small businesses. They remain a strong global company, and
the Fulton plant is a big reason why. We have the best, most versatile
workforce of all its plants," said Oswego County Legislature
Chairman Russ Johnson.
“Huhtamaki’s expansion is a win
for the city of Fulton and Oswego County. Anytime one of our manufacturers
can expand and add jobs, everyone benefits,” said City of
Fulton Mayor Daryl Hayden.
“The acquisition and utilization of
the scrap yard property that will be used for the warehousing modernization
project was and integral component of the 1995 initiative to retain
Sealright in Fulton,” said L. Michael Treadwell, CEcD, executive
director of Operation Oswego County. “The implementation of
that initiative is important to future growth in Fulton.”
“We would like to personally thank
all of the state and local officials who have been supportive of
Huhtamaki including Sen. James Wright, Assemblyman Will Barclay,
the County of Oswego Industrial Development Agency, Operation Oswego
County, the city of Fulton, the Fulton Community Development Agency
and the County of Oswego,” said Thomas Meucci, director of
operations for Huhtamaki.
Huhtamaki is one of the world’s largest
packaging companies with more than 70 manufacturing and sales units
and over 15,000 employees in 36 countries. Its focus and expertise
is in paper, plastic, films and molded fiber.
For more information, visit www.huhtamaki.com.
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