Key economic development project one step closer to fruition in Medina Business Park

Senator George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) today announced that the New York Power Authority has awarded 800 kilowatts of low-cost hydropower to Continental Carbonic, an Illinois-based company looking to build a dry ice manufacturing and distribution facility in Medina.

“With this award, we are one step closer to landing this important project for Medina,” Senator Maziarz said.  “It has always been my belief that low-cost hydropower is the best tool we have for promoting economic development in our region.  It is encouraging when NYPA puts that belief into practice.  Now we will keep up the hard work with local officials and company officials to close the deal.

David Butts, Vice President of Continental Carbonic, said, “We’re very grateful to Senator Maziarz, Mayor Tabelski, officials from the Orleans Economic Development Agency, and the New York Power Authority for its support of this new venture.  The low-cost hydropower is a critical factor for our moving ahead with the Medina facility, whose proximity to our East Coast customers is part of the appeal of this location. We look forward to finalizing the details necessary to making this project a reality."

Continental Carbonic, which has more than 30 locations across the eastern United States and Canada, is exploring the possibility of constructing a $6 million, 25,000 square feet facility in the Medina Business Park that would employ 35 people after three years after coming on-line.  The company would compress and refrigerate carbon dioxide gas, which is an energy intensive process.  It is expected that carbon dioxide gas would be obtained from EPCO, located near the proposed site.

“Carbon dioxide gas, a byproduct of the ethanol project process, can be found right across the street,” Senator Maziarz added.  “This is real synergy.”

Medina Mayor Adam Tabelski said, “The Village will do all it can to help encourage this new investment and these new jobs in Medina.  Continental Carbonic is exactly the kind of company we want to attract to our business park.  Our business park features many advantages, such as its geographic location and the availability of utilities, from which companies like Continental can benefit.  I want to commend the Orleans Economic Development Agency in diligently assisting Continental, and also the County Legislature for making sure the EDA has the resources it needs.”