OFD Foods to build new manufacturing facility in Monroe County, New York

Freeze-dried food supplier OFD Foods is planning to build a new $25m manufacturing facility in Monroe County, New York, US in order to better serve its Midwest and East Coast customer base.

To be situated in Henrietta, the new 50,000ft² plant will focus on contract freeze-drying services in bulk industrial packaging.

New York governor Andrew Cuomo said: "OFD Foods' expansion will help further strengthen this region's manufacturing sector and continue to build on the Finger Lakes' economic momentum.

"With the addition of this new facility, we look forward to the company's continued success in the global foods market, creation of new jobs in Monroe County, and increased economic activity throughout the region to continue moving the Finger Lakes forward."

Empire State Development is providing up to $400,000 in upstate revitalisation initiative grant funding to support OFD Foods’ new facility.

The company also has a commercial office in Japan, and the shelf life of its products range from three to 30 years.

OFD Foods manufacturing senior vice-president John Damon said: "I was impressed with the communities' pro-business mentality and the availability of high-quality, skilled trade training and education opportunities.

“Both MCC and RIT have great programmes, and thanks to the support of Governor Cuomo, we are able to invest in this new facility and our employees for our collective future growth and success."

Construction of the new plant is scheduled to start next month and expected to be completed by next June.

OFD Foods supplies freeze-dried food to the US military, consumer packaged goods, private food labels and pharmaceuticals, as well as services and ingredients to major food manufacturers.