Although the construction season might just be starting to heat up, Cold Point Corporation’s new 50,000 square-foot $5.1 million manufacturing facility in west Rome has just been completed, according to an announcement Thursday by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

Cold Point specializes in the design and manufacture of water source heat pumps, packaged terminal air conditioners, condensing units, as well as packaged heat pumps and air conditioners for direct replacement, renovation, and new construction applications.

The completion of the facility marks a milestone for the signature project from Rome’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative plan and a strategic site identified in the Erie Boulevard Brownfield Opportunity Area, which, officials said, will help to attract talent and a 21st century workforce to downtown Rome by establishing an advanced manufacturing facility with more than 50 employees within a five-minute walk to the
downtown core. 

“Today’s announcement of the completion of the Cold Point manufacturing facility represents one of the most significant Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects completed to date,” said Mayor Jacqueline M. Izzo. “With the support of New York state and a $900,000 DRI incentive, Cold Point was able to completely modernize their manufacturing plant expanding from 17,500 square-feet to a new state-of-the-art 50,000 square-foot facility. With the expanded manufacturing space, Cold Point will also increase its workforce to 50 employees in its new downtown home. These are exactly the types of projects we envisioned in our downtown revitalization strategy.”

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said the completion of Cold Point Corporation’s new manufacturing facility is a tremendous benefit to the City of Rome and Oneida County. “The overhaul of the old Rome Cable site has been a long journey and this milestone will go a long way to revitalizing the core of the city,” Picente said.

The new facility, in concert with other DRI funded projects such as a distinctive downtown branding and way finding programs and dynamic new civic spaces, will transform Downtown Rome into a destination for a diverse range of small business, entertainment and restaurant uses, officials said. 

“We are focused on revitalizing and building back New York state better than ever before,” said Cuomo in a statement. “Cold Point Corporation’s expansion in the Mohawk Valley is key to reigniting our economy, bringing jobs and demonstrating our regionally based approach to economic development. These investments strengthen the region’s economy and moves Rome and the Mohawk Valley into a brighter future.”

President & CEO of The Whalen Company Craig Wanner said his company is appreciative of the efforts from ESD, Mohawk Valley EDGE and the City of Rome to realize their vision for a new manufacturing and distribution facility.

“Community plays an important role in our culture so the opportunity to be a partner in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative was very exciting to us,” said Wanner. “It was critical for our future growth to expand our capabilities and remain in Rome for our employees. This project took some time to come to life, but we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We also liked the fact we could use a local contractor, C2C Construction, to handle the project, which they completed on time even during the pandemic. This project is the perfect example of a private/public partnership to enhance the community.” 

The new $5.1 million facility is located at the northwest corner of Henry and South Jay streets and included construction of a 50,000 square-foot advanced manufacturing facility on the former Rome Cable Complex 3 brownfield site.

The facility will house a more efficient industrial layout, add at least one additional manufacturing line, double warehousing and distribution capacity, and create up to 15 additional jobs in the near term. The site has been the focus of major state agency partnerships and funding assistance. Empire State Development, the City of Rome, the Department of Environmental Conservation, Rome Industrial Development Corporation, National Grid, and Rome Community Brownfield Restoration Corporation partnered in 2008-2009 to complete a $3 million brownfield remediation and restoration effort on the Rome Cable Complex 3 site.   

Cold Point Corporation was awarded a $900,000 DRI grant through Rome’s $10 million DRI and $300,000 in Excelsior Jobs tax credits from Empire State Development for a commitment to retain 37 employees and create 24 new jobs. Cold Point Corporation identified the need for a new facility to facilitate growth and the addition of a new manufacturing line and warehouse space.

Senator Joseph A. Griffo, R-47, Rome, said he is pleased that Cold Point Corporation’s manufacturing facility in Rome is complete and that a former brownfield in the city has been redeveloped.

“This facility will enhance Rome’s downtown core and provide for possible economic opportunities in the Mohawk Valley,” said Griffo.

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, D-Utica/Rome, said, “I am thrilled that Rome Cable Complex 3 brownfield site was selected to receive DRI funding this year. This award is a testament to the local efforts and resiliency of the great people in the Mohawk Valley.”

She said, “The City of Rome’s robust Downtown Revitalization Initiative application showcases the area’s desire for resurgence and viable economic development projects that will restore their city’s natural assets. This new investment signifies a milestone in Rome’s revitalization as it will further enhance its vibrant downtown and transform the workforce and amenities that will benefit residents and visitors for years to come.”