Construction has begun on a $53 million renovation of The J.M. Smucker Co.’s Milk-Bone manufacturing facility on Buffalo’s East Side. The project, which centers on installing new processing equipment at the 550,000-square-foot Urban Street plant, is expected to increase production capacity and create 17 new jobs in addition to the 280 positions already at the site.
“Milk-Bone has been a major employer on Buffalo’s East Side since 1957, so we’re very happy with its decision to invest in upgrading its facility and to add new jobs,” Governor Hochul said. “The investment made at the Buffalo site is well timed to respond to the growth of the billion-dollar pet treat industry and represents a significant vote of confidence in New York’s business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life.”
Todd VeRost, Facility Manager of Plant Operations for The J.M. Smucker Co., said, “We are very pleased to continue to invest in expanding our Buffalo manufacturing facility to support our loyal Milk-Bone fans and their four-legged family members. In addition to enhancing our ability to deliver for our consumers, our dedicated team in Buffalo is proud to build on our strong track record as a leading area employer and to maintain our commitment to making a positive impact in this community.”
The expansion includes adding another production line along with updated equipment such as an oven, grinder, cooker, and expanded freezer space by about 897 square feet. Construction began recently and completion is anticipated by April 2027.
To encourage this investment, Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide up to $500,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits through Big Heart Pet Brands Inc., a subsidiary of The J.M. Smucker Co.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “For nearly 70 years, pet parents have purchased Milk-Bone dog treats that are produced here in Buffalo, New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State continues to invest in food manufacturing companies, including those that are creating jobs and keeping even four-legged consumers happy. We thank the J.M. Smucker Co. for its ongoing investment at the well-known Buffalo-based manufacturing facility.”
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll commented on state support for economic development: “The support of low-cost Niagara hydropower is vital to Western New York’s economic strength, driving investments like the $53 million Milk-Bone plant expansion that create meaningful job opportunities for New Yorkers. Today’s announcement reflects the strength of Western New York’s manufacturing sector and highlights the importance of public-private collaborations that contribute to the prosperity and development of our local communities.”
State Senator Sean M. Ryan said, “The Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit is a powerful tool for driving investment where it’s needed most, and today’s announcement is proof. I’m grateful to Smucker’s for their decision to expand the Milk-Bone plant here in Buffalo. It means more good-paying jobs and renewed economic momentum on the East Side.”
State Senator April N. M. Baskin added: “J.M. Smucker’s substantial Urban Street investment on Buffalo’s East Side reinforces the confidence this venerable company has shown in our region and our area’s workforce. With the retention of current staff, the creation of several full-time jobs, and a continued commitment to the Buffalo facility, Smucker’s is a shining example of how companies make a difference in a responsible and ethical manner.”
Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said: “This is a great investment for Buffalo’s East Side community. Milk-Bone has been a part of the east side for generations, and this investment not only ensures that jobs stay at this facility but also, the facility will be expanding its workforce. This is another positive signal for our region’s business sphere.”
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz remarked: “Milk-Bone has long been a part of our economic sector in Erie County and has employed residents locally for almost seventy years so the news that they are expanding locally and creating new jobs is very welcome and I congratulate them on their growth. Employers like Milk Bone realize the top-notch workforce we have locally as well as the conducive business climate we have and Erie County benefits from these investments.”
City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon stated: “The East Side of Buffalo has long been home to Milk-Bone,and this major investment by The J.M.Smucker Company reinforces what we already know —Buffalo is a city where businesses can growand thrive.Retaining hundreds of good-paying jobs while creating new opportunitiesforour residentsisawinforourcityourneighborhoodsandourfamilies.IthankGovernorHochulEmpireStateDevelopmentTheJMSmuckerCo.andourlocalpartnersforworkingtogethertomakethisinvestmentpossible.”
John Cappellino,presidentandCEOoftheErieCountyIndustrialDevelopmentAgency(ECIDA),notedthattheboardapprovedsalestaxbenefitsupto$1milliontopromotetheprojectandkeepmanufacturingjobsinthearea.
National Grid awarded The J.M.SmuckerCo.a$500000grantthroughitseconomicdevelopmentprogramtooffsetcostsassociatedwithupgradingthesubstationneededfortheexpansion.
InvestBuffaloNiagaraPresident&CEOTomasKucharskisaid,“TheJMSmuckerCo.’sdecisiontoreinvestandexpandinWesternNewYorkandBuffalo’sEastSideisavalidationofourregion’scompetitivenessontheglobalscale.InvestBuffaloNiagaraisgratefulforitspartnershipwiththecompanythroughthisprocess—navigatingtheincentiveprocesscollaboratingwithlocalpartnersandmakingthesellforBuffaloNiagara.”
