SCHUMER ANNOUNCES OVER $88,000 IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SHERRILL MANUFACTURING
USDA Rural Business Development Grant Will Upgrade Sherrill’s Technology, Increasing Productivity And Production
Schumer: This Funding Will Help Sherrill Cut Up The Competition
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced, $88,500 in federal funding for Sherrill Manufacturing Inc. The funding was allocated through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant program. The grant will assist Sherrill Manufacturing Inc.’s plans for growth in its flatware manufacturing operations. Senator Schumer urged USDA officials to award the funding to Sherrill back in May.
“This grant will help Sherrill Manufacturing maintain its presence as America's only flatware-maker and continue its contribution to Central New York's economy” said Senator Schumer. “I am pleased that Sherrill, the last flatware company in the country, will be receiving these critical funds to expand its operations. I will continue to work hand-in-hand with the company so that their 'Made In The USA' products are used all over the country.”
Mohawk Valley EDGE will administer the award, which will greatly assist Sherrill Inc.’s plans for growth in its flatware manufacturing operations. As part of its investment, Sherrill will be rebuilding one of its 700-ton forge presses, and purchasing a vintage set of knife grinding machines that have been rebuilt and upgraded with modern capabilities. Furthermore, this funding will provide the company with the necessary savings needed to fund production and prepare for long-term capital needs, as well as provide a cost-effective manner for the company to upgrade from outdated technology. Schumer said these technology upgrades will lead to increased productivity and efficiency, which will provide increased revenue and additional local employment.
Sherrill Manufacturing, Inc., located in Sherrill, NY, is the only flatware manufacturer in the United States, and has built significant sales on its ‘Made in USA’ branding, quality manufacturing and internet sales based business model. The company began as an attempt to resurrect flatware manufacturing in Sherrill when Oneida Ltd, the facility’s former owner, left Central New York for Mexico and the Far East.
Schumer has always been a strong advocate for Central New York’s manufacturing industry, including companies like Sherrill Manufacturing. Most recently, he sent a letter to the White House Chief Usher urging them to purchase American made flatware from Sherrill Manufacturing. Additionally, Schumer successfully pushed the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to remove nearly a dozen companies falsely touting that their products were “USA-made” on government websites. Schumer said this was not only misleading to agencies and other customers looking to buy from companies producing American-made goods, but it threatened to put companies like Sherrill at a competitive disadvantage.
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