American Packaging Corporation started construction on a 350,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Monroe County, New York. The project will lead to the creation of more than 260 full-time jobs over the next five years. The project will also ensure 170 employees currently working at the company's Rochester plant are retained.

"American Packaging’s $170 million investment and decision to expand in Monroe County is proof-positive that we are attracting 21st century companies to add to this region's economic momentum and move the Finger Lakes forward," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "This project will not only boost the local manufacturing sector and provide job opportunities to more than 260 residents, it will strengthen the regional economy and support a more sustainable community for generations to come."

American Packaging President & CEO Peter Schottland said, "We are thrilled to be expanding our business in the greater-Rochester area. American Packaging is headquartered here and this is where my family calls home, so being able to grow here and provide great job opportunities in the area is something we are particularly excited about. We want to thank Governor Cuomo and his team’s efforts for contributing to the project to ensure it came to fruition."

In order to secure American Packaging’s expansion and job growth in Upstate New York, Empire State Development offered up to $14.7 million in performance-based incentives, including $7.7 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative grants and $7 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits.

Rochester Gas and Electric provided the company with up to $870,000 in grant funding for electric and gas infrastructure and Monroe County also provided tax exemption benefits through COMIDA. American Packaging is investing nearly $170 million in this project.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York State has significantly improved the business climate and shined a spotlight on the Finger Lakes region’s strengths, leveraging its assets to attract new investment and bring new jobs to the region."

Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Monroe Community College President Anne Kress and Wegmans Food Markets Chairman Danny Wegman said, "We want to thank Governor Cuomo for his efforts which ensured that this storied company remained an important part of our regions’ economic future. Through its partnership with RIT and The Wegmans Family Charitable Foundation, APC is working hard to find solutions that will enable the grocery industry to continue to provide products in a sustainable manner. Supporting companies like APC is an incredibly important part of the Finger Lakes Forward economic development plan."

According to New York State officials, American Packaging had planned to construct their new plant near its facilities in Iowa, however, through Governor Cuomo's Upstate revitalization and the Finger Lakes Forward strategic plan, along with other local support efforts, the company decided to stay and expand in the Town of Chili. The facility is expected to be operational by December 2017.