Represents One of the Largest Private Sector-Backed Investments in Buffalo’s East Side
Project Creates 17 New Positions Bringing Total Workforce to Nearly 300
Governor Kathy Hochul announced construction is underway on the $53 million renovation of The J.M. Smucker Co.’s Milk-Bone® manufacturing facility located in Buffalo’s East Side. The investment, most of which will be in the form of new processing equipment in the 550,000-square-foot Urban Street plant, further cements Milk-Bone’s manufacturing presence in Buffalo and represents one of the largest private sector investments in the city’s East Side. The renovation will expand production capacity and allow the company to create 17 new positions — in addition to the 280 jobs at the facility today — in order to meet increasing consumer demand.
“Milk-Bone has been a major employer on Buffalo’s East Side since 1957, so we’re very happy with its decision to invest in upgrading its facility and to add new jobs,” Governor Hochul said. “The investment made at the Buffalo site is well timed to respond to the growth of the billion-dollar pet treat industry and represents a significant vote of confidence in New York’s business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life.”
The J.M. Smucker Co Buffalo Manufacturing Facility Manager of Plant Operations Todd VeRost said, “We are very pleased to continue to invest in expanding our Buffalo manufacturing facility to support our loyal Milk-Bone® fans and their four-legged family members. In addition to enhancing our ability to deliver for our consumers, our dedicated team in Buffalo is proud to build on our strong track record as a leading area employer and to maintain our commitment to making a positive impact in this community.”
The investment in the Buffalo facility includes an additional production line, a state-of-the-art oven, grinder, cooker, and additional processing equipment. The project also includes freezer expansion of approximately 897 square feet to accommodate the increase in raw materials and production at the site. Construction to support the renovations has started and is expected to be completed by April 2027. The company is planning to hire up to 17 new full-time permanent employees to staff the new line.
To help facilitate the company’s investment and expansion in Buffalo, Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide Big Heart Pet Brands Inc., a subsidiary of The J.M. Smucker Co., up to $500,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to support the creation of new jobs.
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