Rich's announces expansion and redesign
A major announcement from a Buffalo-based food giant. Rich Products Corporation will invest $18 million into its Niagara Street facility, creating jobs and cementing its position as a food industry leader. YNN's Katie Morse tells us more about Rich's plans to build a state-of-the-art innovation and customer connection center.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — In Rich's Research and Development Center, the company's creations and innovation come to life.
As a global supplier in the food service industry, the company says it focuses on connecting with customers and getting them what they want.
On Monday, Rich's announced how it plans to continue to do that.
"It's an $18.45 million investment in expanding this facility here, to make it a world-class facility," said Lt. Governor Bob Duffy.
Rich's Atrium on Niagara Street will be redesigned, becoming what the company calls a "customer innovation center." Employees will research whatever customers need, and connect with them on a personal level in the center.
"They're coming into a space that's designed specifically for them, so every detail of this is going to relate to how we provide that kind of attraction," explained Rich's President and CEO Bill Gisel Jr. "We'll have culinary centers, laboratories, communication capabilities, and physical space that will really allow us to take this to a whole new level from what we have now."
The investment means 650 jobs stay in Buffalo, and 17 more will be created. The state is providing about $4.5 million for the company to move forward with the redesign.
Rich's has been on Niagara Street for 70 years, and officials say it's the kind of company that needs to stay in Western New York.
"I think the investment the state is making is a good investment. The investment the company is making is a phenomenal investment," said Duffy.
Another announcement was made Monday, this one from Buffalo mayor Byron Brown. Brown said the city plans to invest $10 million in Niagara Street itself, from Niagara Square all the way out to Tonawanda Street. Brown says that'll help revitalize the area where all this construction is happening.