Governor Cuomo Announces Grand Opening of Briggs & Stratton Manufacturing Facility in Oneida County

Statement

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of Briggs & Stratton Corporation's newest commercial products manufacturing facility in Sherrill, Oneida County. Because of the company's commercial market growth, Briggs & Stratton needed a larger facility for production of its Ferris and Snapper Pro brand mowers, originally manufactured in Munnsville, Madison County. This new facility in the Sherrill Industrial Park will accommodate this continued growth into the future and will nearly double the production capacity for Ferris, Snapper, Snapper Pro, Simplicity and some Billy Goat products.

"New York is committed to ensuring that good-paying jobs remain in our Upstate communities," Governor Cuomo said. "By investing in Briggs & Stratton's expansion, we are helping this successful world-renowned business expand, resulting in the creation of more jobs that are building on the positive progress we continue to see in the Mohawk Valley."

"We are focused on growing the manufacturing industry in the state and creating good paying jobs for residents," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "The Briggs & Stratton manufacturing facility will expand commercial production and create 52 new jobs while retaining 500. This new facility will support future growth of the company and create new opportunities in Sherrill and Oneida County. The project is part of our overall efforts to attract and retain businesses, strengthen the economy, and build on the upward momentum in the Mohawk Valley region."

Briggs & Stratton had been considering its options for expanding its commercial manufacturing footprint within the U.S., and chose to grow in the Mohawk Valley. To assist with job creation and retention, Empire State Development offered up to $1 million in tax credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program for the project in exchange for retaining 500 existing jobs and a commitment of 52 new jobs over ten years and a $1.5 million capital grant to equip the new facility.

Additionally, construction of the $10 million, 552,000-square-foot building was supported by a $1.9 million ESD capital grant to ONX3, the developer of Sherrill Industrial Park for construction and renovation costs. Briggs & Stratton has already surpassed their job targets, hiring 100 new employees who will produce its commercial products.

Todd Teske, Chairman, President and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation said, "Ferris Industries joined the Briggs & Stratton family in 2004 and since then has grown exponentially; as has the Company's commercial business in total. This new facility in Sherrill will allow for that growth to continue long into the future, and we're so grateful for the support we've received from the State of New York, Oneida County and the City of Sherrill throughout the process."

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Eric Gertler said, "The decision by Briggs and Stratton to remain and grow in Oneida County reflects both the region's strengths and the State's strategic commitment to nurturing a business-friendly environment that leads to job creation and retention."

State Senator Joseph Griffo said, "I am pleased that Briggs and Stratton is continuing to expand in New York State. The company is known for its quality, American-made products and this new facility will bring economic growth to the region."

Assemblymember John J. Salka said, "I am thrilled to welcome Briggs and Stratton to the Mohawk Valley and the 121st Assembly District. Briggs and Stratton is great company with a long history making quality products."

Oneida County Executive, Anthony J Picente, Jr. said, "Oneida County has long been a part of the fabric of American manufacturing and with the addition of Briggs and Stratton to Oneida County, we are pleased to continue their proud tradition of manufacturing superior products that are used world-wide and even prouder to say they are built in Sherrill, NY. The addition of Briggs and Stratton to the Mohawk Valley builds on the positive growth we continue to see each day and will surely see well into the future."

City of Sherrill Mayor William Vineall said, "I speak for the community when I say that we could not be more thrilled to welcome Briggs and Stratton to Sherrill. This company will bring with it much needed opportunities and improve the quality of life in our city and we look forward to a productive partnership in the future."

About Briggs & Stratton

Briggs & Stratton is the world's largest producer of gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, and is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of power generation, pressure washer, lawn and garden, turf care and job site products through its Briggs & Stratton®, Simplicity®, Snapper®, Ferris®, Vanguard®, Allmand®, Billy Goat®, Murray®, Branco® and Victa® brands. Briggs & Stratton products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in over 100 countries on six continents. For additional information, please visit www.basco.com and www.briggsandstratton.com.

About Empire State Development
Empire State Development (ESD) is New York's chief economic development agency (www.esd.ny.gov). The mission of ESD is to promote a vigorous and growing economy, encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, increase revenues to the State and its municipalities, and achieve stable and diversified local economies. Through the use of loans, grants, tax credits and other forms of financial assistance, ESD strives to enhance private business investment and growth to spur job creation and support prosperous communities across New York State. ESD is also the primary administrative agency overseeing Governor Cuomo's Regional Economic Development Councils and the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, please visit www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov.

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