Senator Nozzolio Annnounces Xerox To Build New Manufacturing Facility

Webster - Governor George E. Pataki and Senator Michael Nozzolio today announced that Xerox Corp., an internationally recognized leading-edge technology and services company, will invest $59 million to build and equip a 120,000-square-foot plant to produce a sophisticated new type of toner, or dry ink, for printer cartridges in Webster, Monroe County. The company will create more than 40 new jobs and retain another 50 jobs in Webster.

"It is tremendous news that Xerox plans to make a nearly $60 million investment in Webster and add additional jobs to the more than 10,000 jobs the Fortune 500 company already has in New York State," Governor Pataki said. "Xerox, which was founded in Rochester nearly 100 years ago, maintains strong roots in the community and I thank them for their commitment and investment.

"Our economic development team worked closely with the company and local officials to help Xerox and we are proud that they chose Monroe County over competing locations. When it comes to finding the ideal place to do business, there's no better place than here in New York," Governor Pataki added. "Our tax cuts and pro-growth, pro-job policies have helped businesses in Monroe County and throughout New York State grow and expand. As we continue to strengthen New York's business climate, we will also continue to move forward with the policies that we know work to create jobs."

Senator Michael F. Nozzolio said, "It was a pleasure to be part of the team to work with Xerox as they continue to invest in New York State and create jobs in the Town of Webster. This announcement further solidifies the presence of Xerox in Webster and is important to the strengthening of our regional economy. I would like to thank Governor Pataki for his leadership and efforts in ensuring that this Fortune 500 company continues their long tradition of manufacturing cutting edge products in New York State."

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said, "Xerox is a valuable employer that has played an integral role in our community for nearly a century. Monroe County is pleased to support this project by providing incentives through COMIDA. We are proud that Xerox has chosen to expand their operations locally and create new jobs. We thank Xerox for their investment in our economy and their continued commitment to our community."

Webster Town Supervisor Cathryn C. Thomas said, "Webster is ecstatic to be the beneficiary of this great success story of the State and private industry working together to keep and expand jobs here. Xerox is vital to our local economy, and we couldn't ask for better news than the fact that the corporation has chosen for this expansion to take place in our great Webster community."

Xerox Vice President for Paper Supplies & Supply Chain Operations Wim Appelo said, "Xerox chose to build this new facility in Webster to take advantage of the strong manufacturing and engineering competencies that exist here today. It's an investment in the community, in our people and in Xerox innovation."

The Webster plant will produce EA toner, a new emulsion aggregate toner, which represents a breakthrough in toner technology. Developed jointly at the Xerox Research Centre of Canada and the company's Supplies Delivery Unit in Webster, EA toner is chemically grown from the molecular level to precise shapes and sizes, eliminating the grinding and selection process required to make traditional toner. It requires less energy to manufacture and generates less waste. EA toner is protected by more than 100 patents.

Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, Xerox is a $15.7 billion global enterprise that provides innovative document solutions, services, and systems (digital presses, copiers, faxes, printers and scanners) to businesses of any size.

Empire State Development Chairman Charles A. Gargano said, "Under Governor Pataki, New York has created a pro-business environment that is spurring private sector investment by companies like Xerox. Working with our economic development partners, we have provided resources to support the company's plans to grow. It is this type of commitment from our businesses that is helping New York achieve the Governor's ambitious goal of creating one million new jobs by the end of the decade. We continue to work with companies every day, leveraging New York's resources to attract private sector investment and to help firms grow and prosper."

Construction of the plant will begin later this year and is expected to be completed in 2007.

In consideration of the company's commitment to New York State, Xerox is eligible to apply for a $500,000 loan, which will be used for new equipment, and a $100,000 training grant from Empire State Development. Additionally, Monroe County has offered property tax breaks and Rochester Gas & Electric has offered a discounted rate. The company may also be eligible for funding under NYSERDA's new construction program.