BUFFALO, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul announced that construction is officially underway on the $53 million renovation of The J.M. Smucker Co.’s Milk-Bone® manufacturing facility in Buffalo’s East Side. The large-scale investment — one of the biggest private sector-backed commitments in the area — will modernize operations, expand capacity, and create 17 new permanent jobs, bringing the facility’s total workforce to nearly 300.

The project centers on the company’s 550,000-square-foot Urban Street plant, which has produced Milk-Bone treats for decades. Much of the funding will go toward new, state-of-the-art processing equipment, ensuring the facility can keep pace with surging demand in the multi-billion-dollar pet treat industry.

Governor Hochul praised the decision, saying:

“Milk-Bone has been a major employer on Buffalo’s East Side since 1957, so we’re very happy with its decision to invest in upgrading its facility and to add new jobs. The investment made at the Buffalo site is well timed to respond to the growth of the billion-dollar pet treat industry and represents a significant vote of confidence in New York’s business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life.”

Project Details

The investment includes the addition of a new production line, an advanced oven, grinder, cooker, and expanded processing equipment. To support increased raw material storage, a 897-square-foot freezer expansion is also planned. Construction has already started and is expected to be completed by April 2027.

Todd VeRost, Plant Operations Manager at The J.M. Smucker Co., said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to both consumers and the local community:

“We are very pleased to continue to invest in expanding our Buffalo manufacturing facility to support our loyal Milk-Bone® fans and their four-legged family members. In addition to enhancing our ability to deliver for our consumers, our dedicated team in Buffalo is proud to build on our strong track record as a leading area employer and to maintain our commitment to making a positive impact in this community.”

Public-Private Support

To help facilitate the project, Empire State Development (ESD) will provide up to $500,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits tied to job creation. Additionally, the Erie County Industrial Development Agency approved over $1 million in sales tax benefits for project purchases, while National Grid contributed a $500,000 economic development grant to bolster infrastructure needs.

State leaders hailed the investment as both an economic win and a reaffirmation of Buffalo’s East Side as a hub for manufacturing:

• Hope Knight, ESD President, CEO and Commissioner, noted:

“For nearly 70 years, pet parents have purchased Milk-Bone dog treats that are produced here in Buffalo, New York. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State continues to invest in food manufacturing companies, including those that are creating jobs and keeping even four-legged consumers happy.”

• Justin E. Driscoll, New York Power Authority President and CEO, added:

“The support of low-cost Niagara hydropower is vital to Western New York's economic strength, driving investments like the $53 million Milk-Bone plant expansion that create meaningful job opportunities for New Yorkers.”

Local elected officials, including State Senators Sean Ryan and April Baskin, Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon, also applauded the expansion as a critical step for both the city’s economy and community stability.

Long-Term Impact

The Milk-Bone brand has been a staple of Buffalo’s economy since 1957, generating millions annually in payroll and contributing to the city’s manufacturing identity. With this expansion, The J.M. Smucker Co. strengthens its role as a long-term community anchor while supporting the continued revitalization of Buffalo’s East Side.

Local economic leaders emphasized the global competitiveness this investment signals.
Thomas Kucharski, Invest Buffalo Niagara President & CEO, said:

“The J.M. Smucker Co.’s decision to reinvest and expand in Western New York and Buffalo’s East Side is a validation of our region’s competitiveness on the global scale.”

With construction underway, the project is expected to not only create new jobs but also reaffirm Western New York as a stronghold for food and pet product manufacturing, linking economic growth directly to community investment and workforce development.

Originally reported by Governor, New York Government.