GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES North CAROLINA AIR FILTER COMPANY OPENS FACTORY IN COLUMBIA COUNTY CREATING 180 JOBS

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced North Carolina-based Flanders Corporation, a leading air filter manufacturer, will establish its northeast production operation in the Town of Greenport in Columbia County, creating 180 new jobs in the region.

The company will invest approximately $7 million in the facility. Empire State Development (ESD) will provide the company with $500,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax benefits over a 10 year period.

"I have repeatedly said that bringing good jobs to New York is one of my top priorities," Governor Cuomo said. "Flanders Corporation will turn an empty factory into a vibrant workplace, creating 180 jobs and making products that will be sold around the world. Making New York business-friendly is an essential part of our plan to revitalize the state's economy. We will continue to reopen our state to business and create good jobs for our world-class workforce."

Flanders Corporation will relocate from North Carolina to a 195,000 square foot building that has been unused since 2008, when a health care device company moved out. Flanders Corporation, which was originally founded in New York state, makes commercial and residential air filters. In deciding where to move its northeast production operation, it considered moving to Pennsylvania or Delaware but ultimately chose to return to New York.

"Empire State Development as well as Columbia County were instrumental in our decision to locate in New York State. The eager workforce we will be partnering with in Greenport and the surrounding area will further strengthen Flanders' position as the leading air filtration company in North America," stated Flanders Chairman of the Board and CEO Harry Smith. "The location of the facility will enhance our value to our customers as we will now be once again locally servicing the northeast region of the country."

"ESD is pleased to partner with Flanders Corporation and assist in its move to Columbia County," said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. "The company is expected to create 180 jobs, which will have a major impact on the local economy of Hudson and nearby communities. This global company's investment is a testament to the region's strong assets—its proximity to market and talented workforce—and reaffirms Governor Cuomo's message that New York State is open for business."

Senator Stephen Saland said, "The news that Flanders Corporation will be making Columbia County its new home couldn't come at a better time and demonstrates that the changing dynamic in New York is starting to reap benefits. Certainly the collaboration between state, county and local officials helped make this a reality. I was pleased to work with Governor Andrew Cuomo's office and the Empire State Development in helping to bring this manufacturing company to the Town of Greenport which will result in 180 new jobs and an investment of $7 million. The Company, which is based out of North Carolina, was attracted to our region because of its central location in the northeast which will ease their transportation needs, and specifically to the Town of Greenport which offers the infrastructure for its manufacturing site."

Assemblyman Peter Lopez said, "This is the direction we need to be moving in if we are to emerge from this recession and rebuild our economy. These new manufacturing jobs and the investment that comes with this announcement are vital to strengthening Columbia County and the Mid-Hudson Region."

"I'm delighted that Flanders Corporation chose to expand their business into Columbia County," said Columbia County Board of Supervisors Chairman Roy Brown. "I'm also happy that Columbia County was able to partner with the State of New York to bring 180 jobs to the Hudson area and into the former Kaz facility. The job opportunities and ancillary business that Flanders Corporation will bring to the County will give our economy the boost we really need. Congratulations to everyone who helped bring the Flanders proposal to fruition, including Mr. Ken Flood, Columbia County Planning/Economic Development Commissioner."

"Greenport is excited about the Flanders Corporation locating to a facility in our town," said Greenport Town Supervisor Edward Nabozny. "The investment of $7 million dollars shows that the Empire State's new attitude toward business is producing results. I want to thank Governor Cuomo and the leadership at Empire State Development for their assistance in helping Flanders move into Greenport to take advantage of the area's highly qualified workforce. Greenport and Columbia County are most certainly open for business."

"The creation of 180 jobs in Columbia County is exciting news and certainly 'the shot in the arm' the City of Hudson needs," said Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera. "Congratulations are in order to Commissioner Ken Flood and ESD for their efforts. Governor Cuomo promised a better, more business-friendly state and apparently it's working!"

"We are pleased that Flanders Corporation chose Columbia County and look forward to our continued partnership," said Columbia County Planning/Economic Development Commissioner Kenneth Flood. "First, we will ensure that our residents have every opportunity to secure employment with the company while helping the company get the people they need for a successful operation. As Flanders produces filters for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, I believe the company is well situated to take of advantage of the growing sector in the region."


About Flanders Corporation
Founded in 1950 in Flanders, New York, Flanders designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes air filters and related products. As a major manufacturer of air filters in the United States, Flanders Corporation products are utilized by many industries including those associated with commercial and residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (commonly known as "HVAC" systems), semiconductor manufacturing, ultra-pure materials, chemical, biological, radiological and material processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, synthetics, nuclear power and nuclear materials processing. The company designs and manufactures much of its own production equipment, utilizing proprietary technology, to automate its processes in order to decrease labor costs associated with standard products. With twelve locations worldwide, Flanders Corporation is focused on providing complete environmental filtration systems with the highest quality in the world.

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal: New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov). The mission of Empire State Development is to promote business investment and growth that leads to job creation and prosperous communities across New York State. ESD also oversees the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.