Construction underway on $53 million Milk-Bone plant renovation

Represents one of largest private sector-backed investments in Buffalo’s East Side; project creates 17 new positions bringing total workforce to nearly 300

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. 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,” 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 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.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “For nearly 70 years, pet parents have purchased Milk-Bone dog treats that are produced here in Buffalo, New York. Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, the state continues to invest in food manufacturing companies, including those that are creating jobs and keeping even four-legged consumers happy. We thank the J.M. Smucker Co. for its ongoing investment at the well-known Buffalo-based manufacturing facility.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The support of low-cost Niagara hydropower is vital to Western New York's economic strength, driving investments like the $53 million Milk-Bone plant expansion that create meaningful job opportunities for New Yorkers. Today’s announcement reflects the strength of Western New York’s manufacturing sector and highlights the importance of public-private collaborations that contribute to the prosperity and development of our local communities.”

State Sen. Sean Ryan said, “The Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit is a powerful tool for driving investment where it’s needed most, and today's announcement is proof. I'm grateful to Smucker’s for their decision to expand the Milk-Bone plant here in Buffalo. It means more good-paying jobs and renewed economic momentum on the East Side.”

State Sen. April N. M. Baskin said, “J.M. Smucker's substantial Urban Street investment on Buffalo's East Side reinforces the confidence this venerable company has shown in our region and our area's workforce. With the retention of current staff, the creation of several full-time jobs, and a continued commitment to the Buffalo facility, Smucker's is a shining example of how companies make a difference in a responsible and ethical manner.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “This is a great investment for Buffalo’s East Side community. Milk-Bone has been a part of the East Side for generations, and this investment not only ensures that jobs stay at this facility, but also the facility will be expanding its workforce. This is another positive signal for our region’s business sphere.”

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, “Milk-Bone has long been a part of our economic sector in Erie County and has employed residents locally for almost 70 years, so the news that they are expanding locally and creating new jobs is very welcome, and I congratulate them on their growth. Employers like Milk-Bone realize the top-notch workforce we have locally as well as the conducive business climate we have, and Erie County benefits from these investments.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “The East Side of Buffalo has long been home to Milk-Bone, and this major investment by The J.M. Smucker Co. reinforces what we already know: Buffalo is a city where businesses can grow and thrive. Retaining hundreds of good-paying jobs while creating new opportunities for our residents is a win for our city, our neighborhoods and our families. I thank Gov. Hochul, Empire State Development, The J.M. Smucker Co. and our local partners for working together to make this investment possible."

Erie County Industrial Development Agency President and CEO John Cappellino said, “Milk-Bone is an important employer in Erie County, investing more than $21 million in annual payroll locally and choosing this location for its $53 million expansion. The ECIDA board approved sales tax benefits up to $1,085,175 on purchases for the project, ensuring that Western New York remains strong in the competition to retain and attract high-paying manufacturing jobs.”

National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa said, “National Grid awarded a $500,000 economic development grant to support J.M. Smucker Co.’s multimillion-dollar expansion at 243 Urban St., in Buffalo. The grant – made through our electric capital investment incentive program – offset some of the costs associated with bolstering their substation, which was necessary to accommodate packaging line enhancements. We are excited to participate in projects such as these and, by collaborating with our customers, determine how we can add value. We’re grateful for the opportunity to have assisted with this project, and wish J.M. Smucker the best for continued growth and success.”

Invest Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Thomas Kucharski said, “The J.M. Smucker Co.’s decision to reinvest and expand in Western New York and Buffalo’s East Side is a validation of our region’s competitiveness on the global scale. Invest Buffalo Niagara is grateful for its partnership with the company through this process – navigating the incentive process, collaborating with local partners, and making the sell for Buffalo Niagara.”

For more information, visit milkbone.com.

ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. For more information, visit esd.ny.gov.