Empire State Development supports Eastman Machine's expansion of its Buffalo factory

Expansion will create new jobs, additional manufacturing space & increase overall efficiency

Empire State Development on Monday announced its support for Eastman Machine Co.’s $1.6 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in downtown Buffalo, retaining its existing 124-person workforce and creating six new jobs. ESD is providing Eastman Machine Co. up to $210,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program in exchange for job creation commitments.

The 7,400-square-foot addition to Eastman’s main building will provide more space for loading docks, materials storage and automated assembly, and will include a new entrance. It is expected to be completed in December 2021.

“Western New York is home to innovative manufacturing companies that have strategically diversified in order to grow,” said ESD Acting Commissioner and President and CEO-Designate Eric Gertler. “Eastman Machine is a great example of a global business with Buffalo roots. Five generations of this family-owned business have recognized Western New York as an attractive place to work and live, and their continued investment will help move the region’s economy forward.”

Eastman Machine Co. is a fifth-generation, family-owned manufacturing business located on Washington Street. Founded in 1888 after developing the first electric fabric-cutting machine, Eastman is a leading producer of cutting and material machine manufacturer, providing custom-engineered solutions and innovative technologies for a variety of equipment for a variety of industries worldwide from its headquarters in Buffalo and through distributors around the world. With more global attention being put on clean energy, a growing market for the company lately has been the creation of machines that have the ability to cut blades used to produce wind energy.

“Eastman and the Stevenson family have a long history in the City of Buffalo, and we are proud to be one of the oldest continuing manufacturing firms in the city. With the assistance of New York state, the expansion will enable us to continue to manufacture in the city,” Eastman Machine Co. President and CEO Robert Stevenson said.

The New York Power Authority board of trustees recently approved a funding award of $170,000 to Eastman Machine Co. for its expansion as part of a wide array of NYPA economic development incentives in Western New York and around the state.

NYPA Chairman and Buffalo resident John R. Koelmel said, “The expansion by Eastman Machine Co. is a good project for Buffalo and I’m pleased that NYPA is able to support it as we attempt to turn the page from this crippling pandemic. The Power Authority’s Western New York Power Proceeds program allows for critical financial relief to enterprises in the region as they expand and grow here in New York.”

New York State Sen. Tim Kennedy said, "Eastman Machine Co. has grown its workforce in Western New York for decades, and this continued commitment only reinforces Buffalo's reputation as an innovative manufacturing hub. I thank Eastman for choosing to stay rooted in the City of Good Neighbors and look forward to many more years of shared investment."

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "I'd like to thank Empire State Development and congratulate Eastman Machine Co. on being awarded Excelsior Jobs Tax Credits for their expansion. As one of the oldest companies in Western NY at 125 years old, this investment and expansion will help make Eastman more efficient and help to increase their productivity now and into the future."

Mayor Byron Brown said, "Eastman Machine Co.'s expansion will allow them to grow and respond to increased worldwide demand for their cutting-edge products. I thank Empire State Development for its support of one of Buffalo's oldest manufacturing companies, putting them in a good position to continue to grow and provide jobs for years to come."

To learn more about Eastman Machine and its mission, watch the company profile video: “More Than a Machine.”

ESD is New York’s chief economic development agency. For more information, visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.