Saratoga Cheese Company coming to Cayuga Co.

State Senator Michael Nozzolio today announced the Saratoga Cheese Company will construct a new, $40 million cheese-production facility at the Aurelius Business Park. The announcement was made by Senator Nozzolio with company representatives and local officials at the City Hall in Auburn.“During these tough economic times, this new $40 million project is a true success story for Cayuga County, creating 75 new jobs, as well as 150 construction jobs, for local workers,” said Senator Nozzolio. “Now more than ever, my number one priority continues to be the creation of new jobs for our region through the use of strategic public and private partnerships that expand our local economy and help revitalize the Upstate economy as a whole.”“It was a pleasure to work with officials at the Saratoga Cheese company on bringing this $40 million facility to Cayuga County, which will provide new jobs for workers and help support our area dairy farmers,” continued Nozzolio.When completed and at full-production, the facility is expected to create 77 full-time jobs with benefits with a $3.23 million annual payroll. Most management and employee positions will be filled locally, with an average employee salary of $45,000. In addition, it is estimated that 150 construction jobs will be available on the project over a period of 12 to 18 months.Larry Rosenbaum, Founder and Chairman, Saratoga Cheese Corporation, said, “The Saratoga Cheese Corporation is excited to locate our brand new facility at the Aurelius Business Park. We thank Senator Nozzolio for his leadership in moving this project that much closer to reality and for being a catalyst in promoting the tremendous State and local collaboration that has made committing to this community a pleasure. I look forward to working with local residents and officials to make it a successful project for all involved.”The Saratoga Cheese Company is investing $40 million into the construction of the new 64,000 square foot production facility, with Senator Nozzolio securing $400,000 in state investment as part of a State economic incentive package to construct the new facility in Cayuga County. After the second year of operation, the plant will require and purchase 240,000,000 pounds of milk, spending over $50 million on milk provided by New York’s dairy farmers.Roger Mills, Chairman of the Cayuga County Legislature, said, “This announcement is a tremendous boost to our local economy. Senator Nozzolio is to be thanked and commended for working to ensure that this new facility, and the jobs that are coming with it, are coming right here to Cayuga County. Senator Nozzolio has always worked on behalf of local residents and this major announcement continues his excellent service to our region.”The new facility will use world-class German (ALPMA) cheese processing technology, which will be introduced into New York State for the first time. The German process is efficient and environmentally friendly.ALPMA cheese-making equipment uses 83% less power than conventional “vat” methods; ALPMA equipment results in 15% less discharge into community sewer system than conventional “vat” methods; US “LEED” certified energy efficient building and site planned; Shorter trucking distances to consumer markets demanding premium cheese.The facility will produce ethnic and premium cheeses including high-quality feta, fresh mozzarella, havarti, and muenster cheeses. Certain areas of the facility will be open to the public, including an open visitor center and kitchen.