KanPak expands Penn Yan facility

PENN YAN--KanPak, one of the largest employers in the village of Penn Yan, will grow its operations in the Finger Lakes region. The company, which acquired the former Emmi Roth facility five years ago, produces a variety of dairy and coffee-based products, such as iced and cold brew coffee, ice cream, yogurt and frozen dessert products, milk shake bases, packaged milk and creamers and specialty beverages for the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry. As part of the project, the company will construct a new private wastewater treatment plant on-site and expand its manufacturing line and warehouse. The buildout represents one of the largest construction projects in the village's history. The Penn Yan dairy beverage manufacturer will add 195,000 square-feet of warehouse space and create up to 15 new jobs.
Kan-Pak President and Chief Executive Officer Larry McGill said, "We are excited about the new facility, as it will help us continue to grow as good corporate citizens, offering new opportunities for the future. I wish to thank the Empire State Development for all of their help and assistance."
Empire State Development is helping to facilitate KanPak's expansion with up to $600,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job creation commitments. ESD is also providing a $150,000 Capital Grant for the project. The company will hire up to 15 new employees over the next five years and will retain 197 jobs as a result of the state investment. KanPak is investing almost $21 million and expects the expansion at the Horizon Park Drive location to be completed sometime in the summer of 2020. Yates County is also providing incentives for the project.
Penn Yan Mayor Leigh MacKerchar said, "The village of Penn Yan is very appreciative of KanPak's decision to make this major commitment to our community. KanPak has become a very active beneficial part of our area. In addition to now being one of our largest employers, their foundation work has greatly benefited the disadvantaged. We are grateful for the continued investment that they are making in Penn Yan."
Steve Griffin, CEO of The Finger Lakes Economic Development Center (FLEDC) of Yates County said, "We are very thankful to have KanPak and their parent company, Golden State Foods, in Yates County. Their significant investment continues to build on the nearly 30 percent growth in manufacturing jobs and 20 percent growth in total jobs Yates County has experienced since 2000." KanPak's investment extends beyond their facility out into the community through the Golden State Foods Foundation, which has made multiple investments into community organizations in Yates County.
Founded in 1965, KanPak U.S. began as a family-owned dairy company based in Arkansas City, Kansas, focusing on the development of aseptic processing and packaging for beverages and desserts. In December of 2014, KanPak was acquired by Golden State Foods headquartered in Irvine, California. The global supplier to the food service and retail industries previously acquired KanPak U.S. in 2013 and KanPak China in 2012.