WAYLAND, N.Y. - Gunlocke, an HNI-owned manufacturer of high-end office furniture, has completed a $2.6 million expansion in Wayland, New York, adding 110 jobs.

 

The expansion was possible due to a state economic development package, Recharge NY, that grants qualifying businesses and non-profits lower energy costs in exchange for commitments to create or retain jobs in New York.

 

"ReCharge NY is supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state and has been an instrumental piece of the state's economic success over the last several years," Governor Cuomo said. "Providing low-cost power to companies like Gunlocke allows them to grow and thrive in New York, spurring the local economy while securing New York's clean energy future for generations to come." 

 

Under the program, Gunlocke was also able to install electric vehicle charging stations at its facility.

 

The expansion, which utilized existing space at the facility, included the installation of equipment that will allow the firm to increase its chair production volume. The expanded facility is also now able to manufacture additional furniture lines that were formerly produced out of state. 

 

ReCharge NY program currently supports 37 businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Southern Tier region of New York, supporting the creation or retention of nearly 26,000 jobs and more than $2.1 billion in capital investments, according to the governor's office.

 

HNI Corp, who owns Gunlocke, saw $1.64 billion in sales in 2017. The company is the currently fourth-largest contract office furniture firm on the FDMC 300, the annual listing of the largest North American wood manufacturing firms.

 

Gunlocke is known for its use of steam-bending, a technique it introduced in 1912.