Governor Cuomo Announces Construction has Begun for State-of-the-Art Fruit and Vegetable Processor in Orleans County

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that work has begun on Pride Pak Canada Ltd.'s new 68,000 square-foot facility on 13 acres in the Medina Business Park. Pride Pak, Canada’s largest fresh fruit and vegetable processor, is spending more than $20 million to build a state-of-the-art facility and install machinery and equipment in Orleans County in order to be closer to its U.S. customers. View a rendering here.

"This company will not only bring new jobs to the regions, but will also bolster local farmers and help attract other businesses to the area by being the anchor to this new commerce hub," Governor Cuomo said. "Today's action is more exciting news for the Finger Lakes."

"Pride Pak is very much looking forward to this collaboration with Orleans County," said Steve Karr, CEO of Pride Pak. "This is a mutually beneficial opportunity; Pride Pak is expanding its business and moving closer to its customer base, while Orleans County can count on a positive impact on its economy."

Pride Pak in Ontario currently exports 35 percent of its produce to the U.S. market. The company packs fresh-cut vegetables for other companies, including Wegmans Food Market. The vegetables are packed fresh, not frozen.

The facility will work with local farmers with carrots and other "root vegetables" and will also package salads, with some of the salads going to Pride Pak's Canadian customers. Pride Pak expects about 45 truckloads of product each month. The vegetable waste, about 220 tons a month, will be delivered to local livestock farms to be used as animal feed and fertilizer.

The economic support and assistance from state agencies was a critical factor in locating the Pride Pak distribution project in New York State. New York State, through Empire State Development provided up to $2 million in Excelsior tax credits.

The New York Power Authority is also providing an allocation of low-cost hydropower to Pride Pak in return for job and capital investment commitments. Pride Pak is also receiving a $750,000 grant from New York State Office of Homes and Community Renewal.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, "This has been an extraordinary year for economic development projects in my district. I am excited to usher in the new Pride Pak fruit and vegetable processing plant in the Medina Business Park and look forward to monitoring its progress. The new facility will create an estimated 200 new jobs and bring fresh produce to customers right here in Western New York. Furthermore, any excess fruit and vegetable waste will be delivered to local livestock farms to bolster our local agriculture industry. I am proud to have worked with Empire State Development, Gov. Cuomo and local leaders to bring this business into my area."

Assemblywoman Jane Corwin said, "Growing the Upstate New York economy and creating new jobs for our region has been my top priority since taking office. I am proud of the all that we have accomplished in the State Legislature, both in working with Governor Cuomo and our local partners in making new development a reality. Pride Pak will be as great asset to Orleans County and will significantly make both a direct and indirect impact on our local economy. The continued investment in our region will have a long term positive effect on our economy and ensure that our children will have opportunity right here in New York State."

State Senator Rob Ortt said, "With the potential of creating approximately 200 jobs in an area that needs it most, this project is exciting news for Medina as well as our entire region as the demand for locally-grown food continues to rise. The new Pride Pak facility will collaborate with local farmers to help to deliver fresh, healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables to consumers while strengthening our economy's agriculture industry. I’m looking forward to working with our partners across the pond, and assisting them in any way we can to help further expand its operations globally."

Dave Callard, Chairman of the Orleans County Legislature said, "We are very excited to welcome Pride Pak to Orleans County. Pride Pak fits in extremely well with our developing agricultural cluster. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with our new partners as they develop this fantastic new venture."

The Pride Pak facility in Medina is expected to be completed in spring 2016 with processing to begin in June 2016.