ASHVILLE – A cheese company that only recently moved into its new location in Blockville is in the process of changing ownership due to financial challenges.
The Post-Journal is reporting that Empire Specialty Cheese Co. (5151 Fairbanks Road, Ashville) has run out of money after investing millions of dollars into their facility, which is located in Blockville and had previously been the location of the AFA Foods operation.
The New Jersey-based Empire Specialty Cheese bought the plant in 2013 and only moved in and began operation at the plant at the end of 2015. It was previously located in Cattaraugus County. As part of the move, the company received a $600,000 grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal, a $300,000 loan fund and a $300,000 deferred loan from the IDA. At the time of the loan company officials had said the plant would eventually have 200 employees. Currently there’s an estimated 90 workers at the plant.
According to the Post-Journal, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency CEO Kevin Sanvidge said the company would likely have to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy, unless a deal can be made to change ownership.
On Monday morning the IDA announced that there will be a grand opening – under new management – of the cheese plant. The new management company has not yet been announced.
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