Dutchland Plastics begins work in renovated Canastota plant

State and company officials formally open the new, larger space for Oostburg, Wisconsin–based Dutchland Plastics in the village of Canastota. The firm’s upstate New York location previously operated in Sherrill. (PHOTO CREDIT: Dutchland Plastics)

CANASTOTA — Wisconsin–based Dutchland Plastics has moved its upstate New York plant from Sherrill to a 50,000-square-foot refurbished building in Canastota, and the village’s mayor is applauding the move. “This Restore NY project is a great example of remediating and revitalizing an abandoned industrial site and bringing it back to life as a value-added economic […]

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CANASTOTA — Wisconsin–based Dutchland Plastics has moved its upstate New York plant from Sherrill to a 50,000-square-foot refurbished building in Canastota, and the village’s mayor is applauding the move.

“This Restore NY project is a great example of remediating and revitalizing an abandoned industrial site and bringing it back to life as a value-added economic property in our community,” Canastota Mayor Carla DeShaw said in a Dutchland Plastics news release. “Through the collaborative efforts and perseverance of the governor’s office, Empire State Development, Madison County [Industrial Development Agency], private developer Bowers Development, and the Mayor’s office … new jobs will be created in the Village of Canastota.”

The upstate New York operations of Oostburg, Wisconsin–based Dutchland Plastics had previously operated in a smaller space in Sherrill. The office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo had announced the move back in January.

The company also operates a 200,000-square-foot plastics-manufacturing facility in Oostburg, Wisconsin.

Dutchland invested $2.6 million for capital equipment and to customize the new Canastota plant, which was built along the Erie Canal. 

Crews started building the new facility earlier this year, and the project received $475,000 in tax credits through the Empire State Development’s (ESD) Excelsior jobs program, Dutchland said. It also used a $1.7 million Restore NY grant, which ESD reallocated for the construction project. 

The tax credits are contingent on the company meeting its job commitments.

With the expansion, the company plans to create 42 new full-time jobs over the next two years, Dutchland said. It’ll also move the 23 employees from the Sherrill plant to the new facility. 

“We are making a major investment in this community because we believe in the people who work and live in this community,” Randy Herman, CEO of Dutchland Plastics, said. “Over the years, we’ve seen the amazing craftmanship and outstanding work ethic this community has to offer. To support future growth our plans are to continue to invest in this area.”

Dutchland Plastics describes itself as “one of the top five manufacturers of custom rotational molded plastic products in North America.” The company manufactures products that include coolers, kayaks, furniture, tanks, playground equipment, material handling, and specialty equipment.     

Eric Reinhardt: