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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

HP Hood Expands Batavia, New York, Production Facility

09/04/2023
Dairy product manufacturer HP Hood will expand its manufacturing operations at the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia, New York. The $120 million project is expected to create 48 jobs in Genesee County.

The investment will include the addition of new processing systems, along with other upgrades which will allow the company to increase capacity for the production of additional extended-shelf-life beverages. Construction is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

“Our investment in the Batavia facility is being driven by the continued growth of ESLdairy and non-dairy beverage categories,” said Gary Kaneb, President and CEO of HP Hood LLC, said. “We are grateful for the support of Empire State Development as Batavia continues to be a strategic site for the expansion of our ESL manufacturing capabilities.”

Empire State Development (ESD) is assisting the project with up to $1 million through the performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for the job creation commitments. Genesee County is also considering providing incentives for the project.

“This continued commitment from one of the nation's most prominent dairy companies will create top-quality jobs and spur new investment in the Finger Lakes," noted Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. "Agriculture and food processing are key pillars of the region’s economic development efforts, and HP Hood’s latest investment shows that our multi-pronged growth strategy is working."

Lynnfield, Massachusett-based HP Hood is one of the largest branded dairy operators in the U.S The company’s portfolio of national and super-regional brands and franchise products includes Hood, Crowley Foods, Planet Oat, Heluva Good!, LACTAID, and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. Hood has five New York production facilities in Batavia, Vernon, Oneida, Arkport and Lafargeville.

“HP Hood conducted a nationwide assessment and chose to expand here to leverage the Greater Rochester, NY region’s extensive food and beverage manufacturing ecosystem and workforce expertise,” added Matt Hurlbutt, President and CEO, Greater Rochester Enterprise. “As demand for HP Hood products continues, we look forward to helping them accelerate their growth plans in the region.”

“HP Hood’s growth has already exceeded expectations at the Ag Park and this project adds to the success of the agricultural and food and beverage manufacturing sectors which continues to be leading employment sectors of our economy,” said Steve Hyde, Genesee County Economic Development Center President & CEO, said. “This expansion is another endorsement of Batavia and the Ag Park’s role as the leading dairy hub of the Northeastern United States, and our local workforce’s talent and readiness for food and beverage manufacturing.”

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