Area Development
Gap, Inc. has opened its distribution center in a new “pop-up” facility allowing more than 1,200 employees to return to work following the devastating fire that destroyed a company warehouse in August. There are more 1,500 New Yorkers employed in full-time and seasonal positions at the facility in Fishkill, New York.

Construction of the temporary facility was supported with $2.65 million in state funding and was completed in time for Gap Inc. to prepare for the upcoming holiday shopping season. Gap Inc. has committed to rebuilding the fire-damaged distribution center beginning in January 2017.

"From day one, New York stood with Gap Inc. and worked tirelessly with state and local leaders to ensure more than 1,200 workers remained employed at the Fishkill distribution facility," Governor Andrew Cuomo said. "That’s what New Yorkers do – we work together, we grow together and we succeed together, and I commend the Mid-Hudson Valley communities for supporting each other through this hardship. We are honored to have Gap reopen, rebuild and remain in this state and look forward to the company's success this holiday season and in the coming years."

"We are proud to have been a part of the Fishkill community for the last 16 years," said Jim Young, Vice President and Regional General Manager of Distribution Operations for Gap Inc.’s Global Supply Chain Team. "As we look ahead to rebuilding better and stronger than before, this grant will help accelerate our recovery efforts. We appreciate the incredible support from Governor Cuomo, the Empire State Development Corporation, and local leaders, and we look forward to our continued partnership. On behalf of our employees here in Fishkill and the customers we serve, thank you."

According to state officials, the morning after the fire, the State Department of Labor and Empire State Development began working with Gap Inc. to assess damage, determine immediate needs, and ensure all workers remained employed at the Fishkill facility. During this time, Gap Inc. has continued to provide all employees full wages and benefits and not one employee was let go as a result of the fire. In addition, of the more than 1,200 employees affected by the fire, approximately 400 returned to work just one week after the devastating event.

After weighing relocation options, Gap Inc. decided to remain in New York State, building a temporary “pop up” facility with $2.65 million in state funding. The facility allowed the remaining 900 employees to return to work and additional seasonal employees to be hired in time for the holiday shopping season.

"That’s what New Yorkers do – we work together, we grow together and we succeed together, and I commend the Mid-Hudson Valley communities for supporting each other through this hardship." Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said.

"Gap's Fishkill distribution center is a major employer in the Mid-Hudson Region," said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. "With the holidays coming up, we can all be thankful that Gap will be able to resume operations and continue to spur growth in the region."