Cannabis Production Facility Coming to Middletown
By John
Jordan
MIDDLETOWN—DreamFields,
a Desert Hot Springs, CA based cannabis company, announced that its subsidiary
Jeeter will be establishing a state-of-the-art cannabis production facility in
the City of Middletown, its first location in New York State.
Jeeter has
signed a lease and will be occupying approximately 39,000 square-feet of space
at 55 Midland Ave. Extension. The firm states that the new production facility
will create hundreds of new jobs in and will involve an investment of millions of
dollars into the Orange County and Hudson Valley’s economies.
The
Middletown facility marks a major milestone for Jeeter as it expands from
California, Michigan, Arizona, Massachusetts, and Canada into the Empire State.
James DeSimone, Associate Real Estate Broker and Director of Sales, Cushman
& Wakefield Pyramid Brokerage Newburgh represented Jeeter and also handled
negotiations for the building owner in the transaction. DeSimone said that
Conor Eckert, president and CEO of The Orange County Partnership, provided
assistance in the lease deal.
While noting
that the project is not retail or involves cultivation of the cannabis, Middletown
Mayor Joseph DeStefano said,“The City of Middletown is pleased to welcome
DreamFields to our community as they establish part of their operation here. This
investment not only brings new life to a long-vacant factory building in our
industrial zone, but it also creates well-paying jobs and new opportunities for
our residents. Revitalizing empty industrial space with active, job-creating
businesses has been a priority for us, and DreamFields’ decision to locate in
Middletown demonstrates confidence in our workforce and our city’s future.”
The firm has
recently begun the approval process with the City of Middletown and hopes to
hold a grand opening in April 2026. A company spokesperson stated that the firm
will initially open with more than 70 employees but has plans to eventually
hire more than 200 at the location. The build out of the space will cost
approximately $1.75 million. The company stated that its total investment in
local jobs, locally-sourced materials and services will be close to $8 million
in its first year of operation.
Founded in
2018, Jeeter Co-CEO Sebastian Solano has spent the past several years building
relationships with local leaders to ensure the company’s New York presence
aligns with Orange County’s vision for growth, company officials stated.
“We’re
honored to launch in New York and proud to call Middletown our home in the
Empire State. Middletown’s hardworking spirit, welcoming community, and rich
local character make it the perfect place for us to grow,” said Solano. “This
is about more than business—it’s about creating opportunities, building
relationships, and becoming part of Middletown’s story.”
Orange
County Executive Steve Neuhaus said, “The launch of this new manufacturing
facility marks a major investment in our local economy,” By breathing new life
into a forgotten and vacant factory, this project will create well-paying jobs,
stimulate economic activity, and further solidify our county’s role as a
destination for innovative industries. We’re proud to support responsible
growth and welcome new businesses that contribute to the revitalization of our
communities.”
Conor
Eckert, President & CEO of the Orange County Partnership, said, “This
strategic investment strengthens our region’s position as a competitive hub for
advanced manufacturing and processing. By transforming a long-underutilized
industrial site, the project will generate meaningful tax revenue and create
high-quality, well-paying jobs for local residents. DreamFields’ decision to
locate in Orange County reflects the continued momentum of our economic
development efforts and our deep commitment to growing and diversifying the
region’s manufacturing economy.”
DreamFields
officials and Orange County leaders stressed the importance of workforce
development and specifically training workers in the growing cannabis field.
Dr. Jean
Leandre, SUNY Orange Vice President for Workforce, Strategy and Innovation
said, “As the lead among the six local community colleges in the Hudson Valley
Cannabis Consortium, SUNY Orange looks forward to helping our institutions
partner with DreamFields in developing workforce training that can create a
deep talent pool of employees in the region. Our consortium is currently
conducting an analysis to better understand the cannabis-related workforce and
economic needs specific to Orange County and the broader Hudson Valley. We
believe those results will help us in future collaborations with DreamFields
and others.”
Dr. Kristine Young, SUNY Orange President,
added: “Collaborating with Conor and the Orange County Partnership in support
of bringing companies like DreamFields and others to the Hudson Valley
demonstrates SUNY Orange’s commitment to our strategic plan. These efforts
deepen the College’s regional impact and invigorate workforce growth.”
