Seven years ago, Felix Schoeller, a German-based global producer of specialty paper, transitioned from a papermill to a converting company and at that time, the company ceased all major operations in Pulaski, N.Y. and only focused on converting papers that are made at other Felix Schoeller locations outside of the U.S.
But on April 15 the company announced that it has successfully negotiated a new contract with a major manufacturing company, resulting in the relocation of a paper conversion operation to the existing Felix Schoeller facility in Pulaski, New York.>The company is a leader in the manufacture of high quality imaging papers for photographic and digital printing applications.
The expansion project doubles the Pulaski facility output, and has retained and created 290 full-time and contract positions.
The company has since been successful in growing its business significantly, but market dynamics in the North American photo paper market have made it difficult to continue the path of expansion. The new contract provides significant growth to the company’s business and employment in Pulaski, and secures the existing jobs.
“The combination of a skilled and dedicated workforce, a good infrastructure and the right economic development assistance have helped us in winning this new business,” said . Michael Szidat, CEO of Felix Schoeller North America . “This expansion does not only solidify our presence in Pulaski, New York, but sets a good basis for future growth.”
Empire State Development is providing Felix Schoeller with more than $650,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to assist the company with the purchase of machinery and equipment and other project-related costs required to accommodate the new paper converting contract, and to help offset out-of-state incentives.
Felix Schoeller is a family owned global paper company, headquartered in Germany. With operations in Germany, Russia, Canada and the United States, the company employs around 2,500 people and generates sales of about $1 billion. Felix Schoeller is the global market leader in the manufacture of high quality imaging papers for photographic and digital printing applications.