COLUMBUS –A new branch is in the works for one of Chenango County’s most colorful – and highly acclaimed – companies.

On Wednesday, Golden Artist Colors embarked upon a $2.5 million renovation project of the former Apple Converting manufacturing plant on Hale Street in the City of Norwich, with approval for sales tax and recording tax abatements worth $48,000 from the Chenango Industrial Development Agency.

Golden Artist plans to use the 45,000 square foot space for warehousing, distribution, light manufacturing and offices supported by 37 new entry-level jobs and three supervisory positions. The company is making applications for Empire State Development and Commerce Chenango grants for additional funding support.

The project has been under wraps for several months, said Commerce Chenango Economic Development Director Jennifer Tavares, who toured the facility with Golden executives two years ago. Apple Converting vacated the plant back in 2007.

“It’s still early in the project. We are still finalizing it and there’s still work to happen,” said Golden President and COO Barbara Schindler. “But we are excited to make use of the building and grow our new lines.” Schindler anticipated the move occurring in 2013.

The new branch office will provide more space in the company’s New Berlin headquarters for developing two new water-based paint products in 2014.