By John Jordan
President Container Group broke ground on April 21 on a $40-million expansion project that upon completion will make its Ballard Road complex in the Town of Wallkill one of the largest corrugated manufacturing facilities in North America.
A host of state, county and local government officials were on hand for the event that signaled the first turning of dirt on a project that will add 100,000 square feet to its current facilities, bringing the manufacturing plant to 622,000 square feet.
Larry Grossbard, co-president of President Container Group with his brother Richard, said that while the company has committed to adding 50 new jobs in connection with the project, it needs 70 new jobs once the expanded manufacturing space is operational in January 2022. The company had scheduled a Jobs Fair on Saturday, April 24th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its complex at 290 Ballard Road to fill those positions.
He characterized the expansion project as a clear example of “true blue American manufacturing.”
The expansion will house President Container Group’s second state-of-the-art corrugator, plus additional converting equipment that will result in a significant increase in the company’s manufacturing capacity and will enhance overall quality of service to its customers. Company officials said that the firm, which currently produces more than 2 billion square feet of corrugated products annually, can increase that total to 3 billion with the new space and equipment.
“We are extremely proud to break ground on President Container’s 100,000-square-foot expansion at our state-of-the-art super plant in Wallkill,” said Grossbard. “Our theme is ‘Manufacturing for The Next Generation’ and we are proud to be part of this community. We are extremely grateful for all of our essential partners. Our deep thanks to those great teams for being accessible and helpful. We appreciate everyone’s support and expertise every day. It’s great to run a business in this community when you have this level of support.”
Grossbard noted that the firm, since it relocated from New Jersey to the property more than 10 years ago, has invested heavily in the property. Most recently, President Container constructed a solar farm consisting of 20,000 solar panels that generates 2.2 megawatts of solar power that supplies the entire energy needs of the company’s Ballard Road operations. The company currently employs approximately 500 workers at the Town of Wallkill site and 600 workers companywide.
Thomas Scaglione, Hudson Valley Regional Director for Empire State Development Corp. said at the event that the President Container expansion project qualified for $3 million in Excelsior Job Tax Credits from ESD. The project also has secured incentives from the Town of Wallkill Industrial Development Agency, according to the IDA Chairman Mark Coyne that involved exemptions from mortgage, sales and use taxes.
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said in a prepared statement, said, “This expansion is a testament to the commitment that President Container has made to Orange County over the years. I’m excited to continue to work with their talented team and I know that President Container will continue to thrive here. This is great day for Orange County, and I appreciate this important investment in our community.”
Steve Brescia, chairman of the Orange County Legislature, said the expansion “marks an exciting new chapter for President Container, which has been an important employer and leader in our community for over a decade. I’m proud that Orange County has been able to provide the skilled workforce and favorable business environment critical to its success.”
Maureen Halahan, president and CEO of the Orange County Partnership, said, “Having worked with President Container for more than a decade, first in their initial attraction to the county and throughout their solar-investment and now this latest expansion, the Grossbard family and Rich Goldberg are truly a part of the fabric of the Town of Wallkill and Orange County. Theirs is an all-American success story and it’s a privilege to work so closely with their team.”
Mike Oates, president of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp., said, “President Container’s continued investment in its Orange County operation represents business innovation, job growth and the shared experiences of so many companies that have been attracted to, or expanded in, the Hudson Valley.”
