Thanks to the efforts of Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development and Industrial Development Agency (IDA) – working closely with New York’s Empire State Development agency – Sabra Dipping Company is planning to relocate its headquarters to White Plains, adding another marquee name to Westchester’s long list of prominent corporations.
At the IDA’s November 4 meeting, the agency’s board approved financial incentives in an effort to woo the hummus producer from Astoria, Queens. Sabra plans to move to 30,000-square-feet of leased space at 777 Westchester Avenue in White Plains. The relocation is expected to result in the retention of 33 full-time employees in New York and creation of 32 new full-time positions in Westchester over the next four years.
“This is great news for Westchester,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Sabra had many choices throughout the region and easily could have moved out of state. The fact that Sabra has decided to expand in Westchester is a vote of confidence for the county, the quality of its workforce and all the other advantages it can offer businesses.”
Larry Gottlieb, Westchester County’s director of Economic Development, noted that Sabra is joining an impressive roster of globally recognized companies in the food and beverage industry including PepsiCo, Dannon and Kraft Foods who thrive on Westchester’s intellectual capital.
“This is another sign that Westchester is emerging from the Great Recession, and laying the groundwork for a stronger economic future,” he said.
In an effort to keep Sabra and its employees in New York State, the firm was able to take advantage of the IDA’s Small Business Program matched with Empire State Development’s incentives with a combined value of approximately $100,000.
Ronen Zohar, CEO of Sabra Dipping Company, LLC, a leader in the refrigerated dips and spreads category and producer of America’s top-selling hummus, said the company is looking forward to the move to Westchester.
“We considered multiple criteria in selecting a home for Sabra’s new headquarters and Westchester had much to offer,” he said. “The county put forth a competitive package which met our needs from a business perspective and they went the extra mile to facilitate a smooth process and demonstrate their interest in welcoming growing businesses to the area. The office park is set on what has been dubbed Westchester’s Platinum Mile and we believe it will be a wonderful location for our talented team and fast-growing company.”
Empire State Development Chairman and CEO Dennis M. Mullen said he was thrilled that Sabra Dipping Company LLC chose Westchester County as the new home for their corporate headquarters.
“Our regional office staff here in New Windsor worked hand-in-hand with Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development and Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to help Sabra Dipping Company identify an incentive package that would help the company to maintain its presence in New York State. The leading manufacturer of authentic dips and spreads is committed to sustainability and distributes its products nationwide. We are proud to welcome them to White Plains and hope they continue to call New York home for many years to come.”