Area Development
Dairy product manufacturer Agro Farma, Inc. has announced it will expand in the Town of Columbus, NY. The company will invest $97 million to build and equip a new dairy processing facility that will retain 386 employees and create 450 new jobs. The new investment continues the firm's recent growth, including $115 million invested in property and plant improvements over the past five years.

Headquartered in Norwich, NY (Chenango County), Agro Farma is New York State's largest dairy manufacturer. Its new facility will produce cultured products such as yogurt and sour cream, and may expand to include other milk-derived products. It also represents a major boost for the regional dairy products industry.

Agro Farma CEO/Founder Hamdi Ulukaya said his company has "always believed that New York is the best place to do business, and this expansion continues Agro Farma's history of investing in the state."

Empire State Development (ESD) will provide Agro Farma with $16 million in job-creating incentives. "The company's investment in Chenango County will create hundreds of new jobs and ensure New York remains a leader in dairy products manufacturing," said ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams.