NORWICH – Another Norwich area business will be closing its doors soon and moving operations out of Chenango County. Apple Converting Inc. recently announced that it will be moving all operations out of Norwich and into a new location in Oneonta.
Apple Converting Inc., currently located at 65 Hale St. in Norwich, specializes in flexible packaging and serves a range of industries including food and beverage, cosmetic, confectionery, consumer products, pharmaceutical and medical devices.
Due to space requirements, the Oneonta facility was purchased over a year ago because the Norwich plant, formerly the home of the Norwich Shoe Company, was not large enough to house new equipment that was being added to the operation. “Since the Norwich facility did not meet the physical requirements for our new Gravure Printing Press, we found it necessary to search for another building,” President Fred DiLorenzo said. Apple Converting purchased a 45,000 square foot facility located at 176 Corporate Drive in Oneonta in April of 2006. Since then, the company has been installing equipment and preparing the Oneonta facility for operations.
According to Norwich City Mayor Joseph Maiurano, the company had initially indicated that it planned to keep both facilities up and running.
“We’ve decided to put it all under one roof to maximize efficiency and make it more convenient for our customers. The new building allows for growth and the lot size allows for expansion,” DiLorenzo explained.
Apple Converting employs approximately 50 people. “The biggest concern is our employees. They have contributed to our success. We will consider every option to minimize their inconvenience and keep the team together,” said DiLorenzo. Apple has offered all employees the chance to continue on with the company at the Oneonta facility.
“Our goal like many other companies is long-term profitable growth. Apple Converting will continue to offer its customers unique solutions, maintain a creative and qualified workforce and utilize new technologies for quality, speed and efficiency,” DiLorenzo said.
Commerce Chenango President Maureen Carpenter said she thought the move was another example of how Chenango County’s infrastructure is acting as a barrier to success. “With little access to the Interstate, we can’t help companies move their product,” Carpenter said. She explained that because New York State government tends to look at the state as a whole instead of looking at each community individually, the state has not offered any assistance in trying to keep the business in the area. “Since they’re (Apple Converting) only moving a county away, the state isn’t stepping into help.” Carpenter pointed out that there would probably be more state assistance if the company were moving to a neighboring state.
“I feel it’s very upsetting to see another Chenango County manufacturer leave the area,” Carpenter said.
Carpenter said Commerce Chenango, Apple Converting and the City of Norwich are all working to bring another business into the area. Mayor Maiurano explained that since Apple Converting currently owns the Norwich facility, even if it remains empty, the company will still be paying taxes on the building. Therefore, he believes the company is eager to find a buyer.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to move something else in,” Maiurano said. “At this point we’re just looking, waiting and hoping.”