Empire State Development (ESD) announced that Studco Building Systems plans to grow its North American operations in the Town of Webster, Monroe County. The sheet metal manufacturer will double the size of its current facility, adding an additional 56,000 square-feet to its existing structure in an effort to increase production of the company’s steel stud framing components in an effort to better meet the needs of its customers. The expansion project is expected to create up to 18 new jobs in the region over the next five years; 62 jobs will be retained. Investing in successful companies supports the strategy of the Finger Lakes Forward initiative which is working to revitalize communities by supporting the regional economy.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Studco Building Systems’ decision to expand in Monroe County reflects the success of our strategic support for growing and revitalizing the Upstate economy, adding jobs and opportunity.”
Empire State Development is providing up to $200,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments. The nearly $4 million project is expected to be completed in late 2019.
Ben Stevens, Studco Building Systems President & Global Managing Director said, “The support of the State is encouraging manufactures like ourselves to stay in New York. Studco is the only New York manufacturer of Steel Stud and prides itself on its patented innovative building solutions for the North American market.”
Founded in Australia more than 40 years ago, the company manufactured T-bar ceiling systems under the brand name, Duraclamp®, cementing itself in the Australian market as a leader for state-of-the-art ceiling systems. In 1986, Duraclamp was sold to United States Gypsum, (USG) eventually evolving into Studco Building Systems®. The company established its North American headquarters in Webster at Boulter Industrial Park in 2005 to ensure better access to clients in both the United States and Canada. The innovative company continues to expand globally serving clients in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, European and Middle Eastern markets.
Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle said, “Studco’s continued success and expansion is great news for our economy and further demonstrates that our community is a truly exciting place for the businesses of today and the future to locate, grow, and thrive. Most exciting is that this expansion means new jobs and good wages that will further strengthen families across Monroe County.”
State Senator Pamela Helming said, “The expansion of Studco Building Systems’ manufacturing facility in Webster is an exciting endeavor not only because it will create and retain jobs but also because it shows that manufacturers can grow and thrive in our region. I recently had the privilege of visiting Studco’s North American headquarters with representatives of the Workforce Development Institute and seeing the area where the company will double the size of its current building. It is an impressive site, and I applaud Gordon Ben Stevens and their team for continuing to build upon the company’s success and for supporting our community. As State Senator, I will keep working to ensure that manufacturers such as Studco can do business and grow jobs in our region and in our state.”
State Assemblyman Mark Johns said, “It is wonderful news for the region that Sutdco Building Systems has decided to expand its operations in Webster. I am very grateful to Empire State Development for supporting this project. Because of that assistance, this successful international company has committed to creating top quality jobs which will help the regional economy continue to grow.”
For more information about Studco Building Systems, click here.
Accelerating Finger Lakes Forward
Today’s announcement complements “Finger Lakes Forward,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development. The State has already invested more than $6.1 billion in the region since 2012 to lay the groundwork for the plan – investing in key industries including photonics, agriculture and food production, and advanced manufacturing. Today, unemployment is down to the lowest levels since before the Great Recession; personal and corporate income taxes are down; and businesses are choosing places like Rochester, Batavia and Canandaigua as a destination to grow and invest in.
Now, the region is accelerating Finger Lakes Forward with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015. The State’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 8,200 new jobs. More information is available here.