Freight broker will bring more than 50 jobs to region
Empire State Development announced Larkin Express Logistics opened the doors on its full-scale, freight brokerage that offers transportation and logistics services across a wide range of industries in North America.
Larkin Express connects shippers with a network of pre-qualified local, regional and national carriers on a daily basis. The company is investing nearly $700,000 at its location, 737 Delaware Ave., and will create up to 53 new full-time jobs over the next five years.
"As a lifelong Western New Yorker, it has been remarkable to see our region's resurgence in recent years," Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "New businesses are investing in the Buffalo Niagara Region thanks to our state's focus on a comprehensive economic and workforce development strategy. The announcement from Larkin Express Logistics is another sign that the Western New York region continues to move forward."
In order to encourage Larkin Express Logistics to locate in Buffalo, ESD has offered up to $300,000 in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, which are tied to job creation commitments.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "In deciding to launch its logistics business in Buffalo, Larkin Express is the latest company choosing to locate and create jobs in Western New York, where it will join a growing number of businesses that benefit from the region's talented workforce, affordable real estate, and supportive business community."
Don De Laria, president of Larkin Express Logistics, said, "Our competitive advantage is the people we hire, which was a major draw to the Buffalo Niagara Region. Our research prior to choosing Buffalo spoke highly of the local work ethic. Now we're seeing it firsthand as we ramp up hiring. Empire State Development, Invest Buffalo Niagara and the entire business community in Buffalo have been so welcoming and helpful, it's truly incredible. There's a reason Buffalo is called the 'City of Good Neighbors.' "
Larkin Express Logistics connects shippers to temperature-controlled, flatbed, heavy-haul and other vehicles ideally equipped to get the job done efficiently. Its location in Buffalo is ideal for facilitating cross-border transport needs.
Larkin Express Logistics is currently hiring business development, account management and carrier operations staff.
Invest Buffalo Niagara, the nonprofit, privately funded economic development organization representing the eight counties of Western New York, provided services and project management to help facilitate Larkin Express Logistics locating in Buffalo.
"Every day our organization is pitching Buffalo Niagara as a cost-effective region to start a business, where you can access hardworking talent and tap into the many local resources available," said Thomas Kucharski, president and CEO of InBN. "Today's announcement by Larkin Express Logistics yet again validates that argument. We are very excited to welcome the team to Buffalo."
New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy said, "New businesses continue to invest in Western New York, because they witness firsthand the strong network of economic and business-minded leaders and policies our region, and our state, have to offer. I'm proud to welcome Larkin Express Logistics to Buffalo, and look forward to the jobs that will be created as they put down roots and grow in our community."
Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, "Thanks to an extremely talented workforce, The Buffalo Niagara Region has become a destination for new and growing businesses. I'm thrilled to see Larkin Express Logistics choose to call Western New York home. Their presence will only help to strengthen our rapidly growing economy, and I look forward to seeing their business grow."
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, "I'm pleased to welcome Larkin Express Logistics to downtown Buffalo. The company's $700,000 investment in its headquarters and goal of adding 53 good-paying, full-time jobs is great news for our city and our residents. Larkin Express Logistics will be adding to the over $6.2 billion in investment we've seen since 2012."
