Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Gap Inc., a specialty retailer recognized around the globe, is expanding its distribution center in Fishkill, Dutchess County, as well as the Gap Global Creative Center in Manhattan. Gap Inc., which was named Yahoo Finance’s “2012 Company of the Year,” is moving forward with the projects as it forecasts continued growth, with an emphasis on product development and expanded operations abroad. The two expansions will result in a total of more than 170 new jobs and the retention of over 1,100 existing positions.
“Gap’s commitment to invest in its Fishkill and New York City locations demonstrates how the new business climate in New York is creating jobs and aiding growth in the private sector,” Governor Cuomo said. “From our talented workforce to strategic locations, New York is increasingly being recognized as a prime location to expand and grow operations. I am pleased that this world-renowned brand will not only continue to make New York its home but will bring additional new jobs, benefitting local families and communities.”
In 2012, Gap Inc. announced a new global brand structure to drive long-term growth and began looking at various expansion and consolidation projects to optimize logistics across the United States. Fishkill was considered a prime location for expansion, and New York was chosen among other locations across the country. In an effort to secure the company’s significant expansion and jobs, Empire State Development (ESD) offered Gap Inc. $1 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits, which are tied directly to job creation and investment commitments.
Senior Vice President of Global Logistics for Gap Inc. Shawn Curran said, “For more than 13 years, Gap Inc. has been a proud employer of New Yorkers at our Fishkill distribution center. Earlier this year, we expanded our regional-based shipping model across all of our brands, enabling us to ship more product from Fishkill to stores throughout the northeastern United States. We’re happy that this change translates into more jobs at our Fishkill campus.”
Gap Inc. built a 2.5 million square foot, $162 million distribution center in Fishkill over a decade ago, where it would employ more than 1,000. This project will add more than 90 new, full-time jobs at the Fishkill distribution center and over 80 professional jobs in New York City as part of the company’s efforts to create a more global brand management structure through the expansion of its headquarters at the Gap Global Creative Center.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, “Gap’s expansion is a testament to the efforts we have made under Governor Cuomo to improve the business climate and make New York State a place where globally recognized companies want to invest and create jobs. Between the Fishkill Distribution Center and Manhattan headquarters, 170 new jobs are coming to New York and we are proud to help such a great company grow here in the Empire State.”
Senator Terry Gipson said, “I want to thank Governor Cuomo for being a steadfast ally in our continued efforts to create good jobs in the Hudson Valley. These 90 new full-time jobs at the Fishkill distribution center are proof that by New York State making smart, performance based investments in companies such as Gap Inc., we can create good jobs and grow our regional economy.”
Assemblymember Kieran Michael Lalor said, “We are excited to have Gap Inc. build on a decade of success here in Fishkill and expand in our area. Gap Inc. understands that the Hudson Valley’s motivated workforce, superb transportation infrastructure and affordable overhead make this a great place to do business.”
Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro said, “Dutchess County is home to some best known businesses in the world. Gap Inc.'s expansion is welcome news for our regional economy and demonstrates the global business appeal of Dutchess County's dynamic workforce, critical transportation infrastructure and attractive quality of life. Gap Inc. has been a true asset in our community, actively engaged in both our non-profit community as well as the business community. We are thrilled to see Gap Inc.'s investment in our area continue to grow and we are grateful to Governor Cuomo for his determination to revitalize the State's economy through his NY Works Agenda.”
Village of Fishkill Mayor James J. Miccio said, “I am pleased to see new jobs coming to New York and especially to our area and thank the Gap for continuing to add to the local economy.”