Imagine Monroe approves project incentives

Imagine Monroe, the county’s economic development engine, has approved incentives for four projects that will create or retain nearly 650 jobs.

Unither Manufacturing LLC plans to expand over five years, which will include the renovation of 100,000 square feet of space in the town of Henrietta, as well as a 22,000-square-foot building expansion to house two specialized production machines and more. Imagine Monroe approved the Enhanced Jobs Plus PILOT program, sales tax and mortgage recording tax exemptions in exchange for the creation of 125 jobs over three years. The first phase will create 35 to 50 jobs in the next year.

Real estate holding company 10 Franklin Street LLC will renovate the building at 10 Franklin St. including roof replacement, asbestos abatement, HVAC replacement and more to convert the second floor into three apartments and the lower level into a fitness studio, to be leased by the Vault Rochester LLC.

The project, in a distressed census tract, will receive a sales tax exemption on the purchase of furniture and equipment for the Vault, while the project will use the city of Rochester CUTE program. The $1.6 million project is expected to create eight new jobs over the next three years.

Fieldtex Products Inc. has purchased the Alleson of Rochester Inc. building on Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road and plans to renovate it. Fieldtex specializes in domestic contract manufacturing, custom sewing services and the production of soft-sided carrying cases for the medical and military markets.

Fieldtex proposes moving from its current location, also on Brighton-Henrietta Townline Road, to the renovated facility that sits on more than eight acres. The company received approval of JobsPlus property tax abatement and sales and mortgage recording tax exemption. As previously reported, Empire State Development will provide up to $500,000 through the Excelsior Jobs Program in exchange for job commitments.

The $6.4 million project is expected to create 30 jobs over the next three years.

Claims Recovery Financial Services LLC plans to expand into Monroe County to meet demand. Through a phased approach, Claims Recovery will occupy 2,500 square feet of leased space in the city of Rochester and expects to create 15 to 20 jobs over the next year. The company projects adding 50 to 80 jobs over the next three years.

Imagine Monroe approved the GreatRebate program through Monroe County Industrial Development Corp. and incentives through the EquiPlus program for purchases of $190,000.

“This month alone, Imagine Monroe is helping to create and retain 645 more jobs for our residents,” Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said in a recent statement. “We are especially proud that Unither Manufacturing, headquartered in France and whose only location in the United States is in Monroe County, has chosen to expand and create more jobs here.”

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