Gap Inc., a specialty retailer, is expanding its distribution center in Dutchess County’s Fishkill, New York, and its Global Creative Center in Manhattan, creating more than 170 jobs and retaining 1,100 existing positions.

According to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office, Gap is moving forward with these projects as it forecasts continued growth, with an emphasis on product development and expanded operations abroad. The company built a 2.5 million square foot, $162 million distribution center in Fishkill over a decade ago, where it would employ more than 1,000. This project will add more than 90 new, full-time jobs at the Fishkill distribution center and over 80 professional jobs in New York City. Both projects are part of the company’s efforts to create a more global brand management structure through the expansion of its headquarters at the Gap Global Creative Center.

Senior Vice President of Global Logistics for Gap Inc. Shawn Curran said, “For more than 13 years, Gap Inc. has been a proud employer of New Yorkers at our Fishkill distribution center. Earlier this year, we expanded our regional-based shipping model across all of our brands, enabling us to ship more product from Fishkill to stores throughout the northeastern United States. We’re happy that this change translates into more jobs at our Fishkill campus.”

“Gap’s commitment to invest in its Fishkill and New York City locations demonstrates how the new business climate in New York is creating jobs and aiding growth in the private sector,” Gov. Cuomo said. “From our talented workforce to strategic locations, New York is increasingly being recognized as a prime location to expand and grow operations. I am pleased that this world-renowned brand will not only continue to make New York its home but will bring additional new jobs, benefitting local families and communities.”

To deliver sustainable global growth, Gap Inc. began looking at restructuring global branding, optimizing logistics, and also at various expansion and consolidation projects across the United States, the Governor’s Office said. In an effort to secure the company’s significant expansion and jobs, Empire State Development offered Gap Inc. $1 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits, which are tied directly to job creation and investment commitments. Fishkill was considered a prime location for expansion, and New York was chosen among other locations across the country.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “Gap’s expansion is a testament to the efforts we have made under Governor Cuomo to improve the business climate and make New York State a place where globally recognized companies want to invest and create jobs. Between the Fishkill Distribution Center and Manhattan headquarters, 170 new jobs are coming to New York and we are proud to help such a great company grow here in the Empire State.”