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CEREAL PRODUCTION UP IN BUFFALO

Governor Cuomo Announces General Mills Will Invest $25 Million to Expand Cereal Production and Retain 417 Jobs In Buffalo

Nation's Oldest General Mills Cereal Plant Adds Two New Products In Western New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently announced that General Mills will increase its cereal production in Buffalo, allowing the company to retain 417 full-time jobs. The $25 million project includes the purchase of new packaging equipment, upgraded ingredient systems and the added production of Corn Chex and Honey Nut Chex cereal products at the Buffalo plant.

"General Mills is a Buffalo institution that has milled on-site for more than a century," Governor Cuomo said. "This administration is committed to protecting good paying jobs across the state and we are proud to support this great Western New York business."

"At the Buffalo plant, we believe we have the best employees, making the best cereal," said General Mills Buffalo Plant Manager Allen Brown. "We're proud to expand our product portfolio here in Buffalo and we look forward to continuing to make food that people love."

General Mills will expand Chex cereal production in Buffalo by adding two new product lines with support from New York State, including a $500,000 grant from Empire State Development. The New York Power Authority will provide an additional $500,000 grant based on the recommendation of the Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board. The grants are in addition to 5,100 kilowatts of low-cost hydropower and 500 kilowatts of electricity the plant received from the Power Authority through the ReCharge NY program to support the retention of more than 400 jobs at the Buffalo plant.

"The smell of Cheerios in the air near Buffalo’s waterfront has always been a source of pride for the city's residents," said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky. "General Mills choosing to expand its Buffalo operations – adding new technology and the production of additional cereals – will enhance its competitive edge and maintain its successful, signature presence."

General Mills’ Buffalo location, which currently employs 417 workers, produces Lucky Charms, Cheerios, and will soon add Corn Chex and Honey Nut Chex to the plant’s cereal lineup. The plant has milled flour in Buffalo for more than 110 years and is General Mills’ oldest cereal plant in the United States. When consumers see a 'BU' label on the production code of a cereal box, they know the cereal is made in Buffalo. This new project is expected to be complete in May 2017.

"The Western New York power proceeds program was created by the Governor to help ensure the recovery of the Buffalo-Niagara economy was both vigorous and sustained," said NYPA President and CEO Gil C. Quiniones. "This announcement by General Mills is evidence that the program is achieving the Governor’s goal, enabling the New York operation of a multinational company to stay and grow in the state."

"General Mills is woven into Buffalo’s identity,"said Congressman Brian Higgins. "Generations of Western New Yorkers feel a sense of connection and pride seeing the grand factory that sits along the Buffalo River, smelling the warm oats that fill the air, or pouring their bowl of cereal knowing it was made right here in Buffalo. We are thrilled to see continued investment and growth."

Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, "The General Mills plant in Buffalo has been helping to fill cereal bowls throughout the United States and Canada since 1941. Today's announcement from General Mills shows their continued commitment to the Buffalo and Western New York economy, which has now lasted for more than 75 years. I thank General Mills and Governor Cuomo for securing this great investment."

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, "General Mills has been a stalwart of the Erie County economic community for over a century and has an international reputation as a producer of quality cereals and grains. This exciting new project builds on that great record, protects local jobs and ensures that our downtown area will continue to smell like Cheerios for a long time to come."

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, "Buffalo is proud to be the home of Cheerios, Lucky Charms, and now Chex cereals. I am always focused on securing good paying jobs for Buffalo residents, and retaining great jobs at employers like General Mills. This is fantastic news for Buffalo and Western New York."

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