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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Trellis Earth Products Invests $8.3 Million To Relocate Manufacturing from China To Rochester, New York

07/11/2013
Trellis Earth Products will invest $8.3 million to move its manufacturing operations from China and launch its first U.S. manufacturing facility at the Rochester Technology Park outside of Rochester, New York, with production to begin in 2014. The move is estimated to create 189 jobs in the region.

By end of this summer, Trellis will break ground on a new 80,000-square foot facility in the Rochester Technology Park. The company will gear up to manufacture more than 50 million forks, knives and spoons monthly at its new facility. Trellis also plans to manufacture food service flatware and flexible products including clamshells, school lunch trays and plates. All products will be made from its very popular bioplastic blend that is primarily comprised of plant starch, greatly reducing petrochemical consumption and lessening the burden on landfills. Trellis will be the first bioplastics company to make branded goods in a vertically integrated facility that takes raw materials through all phases of production for food service customers.

"Trellis, as an industry leader, is committed to creating jobs here at home," said Trellis Earth Products CEO Mike Senzaki. "We see the value of being a New York-based manufacturing company where we can be close to our major markets while having access to the resources and support services we need to launch a world-class manufacturing facility."

"We are pleased to welcome Trellis as they move their manufacturing operations from China to Upstate New York," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. "It is great news for the local community that this leading manufacturer of eco-friendly food service products will soon break ground on a new facility at the Rochester Technology Park, creating nearly 200 jobs for the region. This move demonstrates all of what New York has to offer for businesses to succeed, including a talented workforce, state and local support, top locations and access to major markets. We look forward to working with Trellis to help their company flourish and grow the Finger Lakes economy."

Trellis is being supported by Empire State Development with an incentive package that directly ties to job creation and contributions to the local economy. ESD will provide $1.5 million in Excelsior tax credits and a $500,000 capital grant. Trellis has committed to creating 189 full time jobs by June 2018 and investing $8.34 million. Monroe County has also agreed to commit resources, including up to $500,000 in low interest financing, up to $300,000 in an interest subsidy, $50,000 for training and possible rebates on equipment purchases.

"Trellis Earth Products represents the future of innovative American manufacturing in New York State as its soon to be locally-made products will be environmentally-friendly, and the new jobs and investment will help grow our economy," said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. "I applaud Trellis's commitment to a future in New York and we appreciate the company's philosophy and its dedication to sustainable, environmentally conscious operations and New York State manufacturing."

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