Senator Helming Congratulates Baldwin Richardson Foods on Expansion Plans

Pamela Helming

February 10, 2022

Baldwin Richardson Foods is investing $50 million to expand its manufacturing facilities in Wayne County. The company plans to make necessary equipment, technology and construction investments at the facilities located in the Towns of Macedon and Williamson in an effort to meet the changing requirements for food manufacturing and labeling that consumers are demanding. The company will install new machinery and equipment, supporting the creation of up to 60 new jobs and the retention of 364 positions. Additionally, this two-phase, major investment will allow the company to expand product lines and enhance sustainability practices at each facility. The project will also position Baldwin Richardson Foods to achieve World Economic Forum Lighthouse status, a commitment of efficiency and productivity and environmental stewardship. Now underway, the company expects the major expansion project to be completed in late 2024.

Headquartered and founded in Illinois more than a century ago, Baldwin Richardson Foods develops and manufactures custom ingredients, marketing branded products such as Mrs. Richardson's Toppings and Nance's Mustards and Condiments. It also custom develops sauces, syrups, condiments, flavored beverage syrups and flavor bases offering a standardized line of products for distributors. A registered MBE with the National Supplier Development Council, the company is also one of the largest African-American family-owned and-operated businesses in the food industry.

In a press release from New York State announcing the expansion, Erin Tolefree, President of Baldwin Richardson Foods said, "Baldwin Richardson Foods pairs a legacy of customer commitment with state-of-the-art technology to stay at the forefront of innovation. This significant investment will enable us to strengthen not only that commitment but also the economy of Wayne County and the Finger Lakes Region as we provide new jobs and the environmental stewardship necessary for a sustainable future. We look forward to continued partnership to revitalize the communities of this region."

To encourage Baldwin Richardson Foods to proceed with its expansion in New York State, Empire State Development has offered up to $2.5 million in Excelsior Jobs Tax Program credits in exchange for job creation committments and a $2 million Capital Grant. Wayne County, RG&E and Greater Rochester Enterprise are also assisting the transformative project. 

Senator Helming said, "Baldwin Richardson Foods is a leading innovator in the growing food and beverage industry in the Finger Lakes region and New York State. We are proud to have Baldwin Richardson Foods in Wayne County in the 54th District and I thank President Erin Tolefree and the company for its significant investment in our communities."