Rich Products Corporation, Buffalo, N.Y., said it agreed to have frozen drink processorIsland Oasis, Walpole, Mass., occupy a Rich's manufacturing site in Buffalo. Terms were not disclosed.
“It’s important for companies like Rich’s to take an active interest in the community and we are proud to have created this opportunity to bring new jobs to Buffalo,” said Bill Gisel, Rich’s president and CEO. “We look forward to welcoming Island Oasis to our community and as our newest neighbors on Buffalo’s West Side.”
Officials said Island Oasis will produce fruit and dairy-based beverage products for various multi-national food suppliers and retailers.
“We’ve been looking to expand our overall production capacity and also increase our access in the Northeast as well as Canada,” said Michael Herbert, Island Oasis founder and CEO. “The Rich’s facility in Buffalo provides us with the unique opportunity to move into an existing beverage production environment and achieve both important business goals.”
Officials said the move will result in about 30 jobs to support two production shifts beginning this month. As many as 60 additional jobs could be added to support Island Oasis’ projected growth.
“Our production environment process is fairly sophisticated and requires specific experience that we knew would be available in Buffalo,” said Herbert. “The Buffalo employment market includes a very established manufacturing workforce and we are looking forward to tapping into the region’s unique talent pool.”
