Empire State Development (ESD) Tuesday announced that Von Roll USA, Inc., a global market leader for insulation products, systems and services, will invest $21 million to expand operations at its Schenectady County manufacturing plant, retaining 155 jobs and creating 18 new jobs. Von Roll will expand operations in New York State as it consolidates work from its facility in New Jersey, and modernizes and improves its manufacturing operations.

“New York State’s support will help Von Roll expand its existing facility and purchase and install new machinery and equipment, allowing the company to increase production and operate more efficiently,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams.  “The company’s job commitment will also retain 155 jobs and create 18 new, good paying jobs in Schenectady County.  We applaud Von Roll for its decision to reinvest in New York State and thank all the state and local partners involved in making this expansion possible.”

Von Roll is based in Switzerland and focuses on products and systems for power generation, transmission and distribution.   The company has a presence in 20 countries with approximately 2,520 employees located at over 30 sites.  Von Roll USA is located in the Town of Rotterdam in Schenectady County. 

Jonathan Roberts, COO and General Manager of Von Roll in North America said, “This is an exciting time for Von Roll. We are fully committed to our strong workforce, the community and our global trading partners. This investment in our New York facility is an investment in the future of Von Roll and will help us expand our growth into the North American market. It will secure our overall leadership role as the primary material suppliers to the electro-mechanical market with resins, flexible laminates, magnet wire, mica and glass based insulating materials. The support by the State of New York is very much welcomed and has been instrumental in our decision making process. We look forward to the expansion, modernization and state-of-the-art manufacturing that will certainly place us in a very strong position for years to come.”

To assist Von Roll USA consolidate operations in Schenectady County, ESD will provide $900,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, provided as the company creates new jobs. Von Roll USA is also eligible to apply for 670 kilowatts of ReCharge NY power from the New York Power Authority. ReCharge New York is an economic development power program designed to retain and create jobs through allocations of low-cost power.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said, “We’re starting to see some results from our efforts to improve the business climate in New York and make our state more attractive to business. This is great example of a public-private partnership, as New York’s smart investment of $900,000 is generating a $21 million expansion that will create new jobs and stimulate the local economy.”

Anthony Jasenski, Chairman of the Schenectady County Legislature said, “Retaining Von Roll USA in Schenectady County is a major win for our economic development efforts.  This global company could have located these jobs anywhere in the United States, and we are excited that they have chosen to stay and grow in Schenectady County.  I must also thank Governor Cuomo and the New York State Power Authority for providing us with another tool that helps create jobs in Schenectady County.”

Ray Gillen, Chair of the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority said, “Once again we extend our thanks to Governor Cuomo and Empire State Development for their great efforts to help this major international company make a key decision to  invest $21 million in New York State, retaining good paying jobs and creating new jobs for Schenectady County.”     

Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I Love NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For moreinformation on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visitwww.regionalcouncils.ny.gov  and www.esd.ny.gov.