Empire State Development (ESD) announced Roth Industries, Inc., a German-owned manufacturer of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products, will expand its production, storage and distribution operations in Watertown, Jefferson County. The company’s expansion will result in both new and retained jobs, with
$425,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits. The expansion will support the immediate retention of four at-risk jobs and 42 statewide, as well as the creation of 12 new full-time positions at the Watertown facility.
“We are committed to supporting manufacturing companies like Roth Industries, as they develop, expand and support job growth throughout New York State,” said ESD President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. “The company’s investment in Jefferson County will contribute to the state’s burgeoning manufacturing industry and further cement New York’s status as a national leader in clean and renewable energy.”
Roth Industries will expand its Upstate facility by 22,000 square feet to prepare for an increase in demand for the company’s primary products, which include oil storage tanks and traffic barriers. The company will purchase a new blow-molding machine and other equipment necessary to expand its plastics manufacturing. ESD will provide up to
$425,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in return for Roth’s commitment to create 12 new full-time jobs and retain 42 jobs statewide, including 25 in Jefferson County.
“We are very excited to begin construction on our plant expansion in Watertown. We very much appreciate all of the support from WLDC, JCLDC, DANC and certainly the staff at ESD who were instrumental in guiding us through the Excelsior program,” said Roth Industries President & CEO Joseph A. Brown. “The new machine will provide some much needed redundancy and enable Roth to grow both existing and new product lines.”
Roth Industries’ products are sold in nearly every state in the U.S. and every Canadian
Province, through its North American distribution network supported by manufacturing locations in Watertown and Syracuse NY. The company’s products are involved in storage, distribution and transmission of energy, principally for heating and environmental systems. Roth Industries aims to increase North American sales from approximately $22.5 million to over $30 million in a five year period.
“The vitality of our region depends on the availability of jobs that not only allow people to earn a living but also give them an opportunity to build challenging, rewarding careers,” said State Senator Patty Ritchie. “I am excited to see Roth Industries expand their operation, and am pleased that the state is stepping up to provide them with the support they need to not only retain critically important jobs, but also to grow and provide new, full-time positions for hardworking people in our region.”
“I'm thrilled the state is working with Roth to bring new jobs to the region. Roth's investment in its Watertown operation is a positive reflection on the quality workforce here and the quality of the company's product line,” said Assemblywoman Addie Russell. “The hard work of the leadership and employees here was the right formula to convince corporate leaders that Watertown was the best location for more investment, and that is good news for the North Country. Vielen, vielen Danke, Roth Industries.”
We are pleased with Roth Industries, Inc. decision to remain committed to Jefferson County by retaining current jobs and expanding their employment numbers,” said Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Legislators Scott Gray. “Roth Industries, Inc. is a valued member of our economic base. I commend the Governor and Empire State Development for their commitment to retain and expand the jobs base in Jefferson County through the Excelsior Jobs Program.”
“We are very proud to have Roth Industries in Watertown and greatly appreciate their investment and the commitment they have made to enhance their Watertown location,” said Watertown City Mayor Joseph Butler Jr. “This capital investment will strengthen manufacturing, provide additional jobs, and position the company for long-term success. We are excited about their expansion and thank Roth Industries for choosing to invest in Watertown. We look forward to a long term partnership and congratulate them on their success.”
“This is further evidence that we can in fact sustain and grow manufacturing in the North Country, particularly in industries related to 21st century trends such as energy products,” said President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce and Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council Garry Douglas. “We thank Roth for their commitment and for their confidence in our region as they grow for the future, and we thank Governor Cuomo for the state's engagement and support.”
“Through Governor Cuomo's community-based approach to economic development, we are strengthening opportunities to build capacity and growth in key industries like the clean energy sector. We appreciate Roth Industries commitment to expand its operations in Watertown,” said President of Clarkson University and Co-Chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council Tony Collins. “This is the kind of public and private investment that is needed to diversify our regional economy and spur job creation.”
About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York’s chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of “I Love NY,” the State’s iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, visit www.nyworks.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.