Company officials, elected officials, cut the ribbon
WAPPINGER – Hudson Valley Lighting’s new global headquarters, in a repurposed soft drink facility in the Town of Wappinger celebrated its opening with Dutchess County officials and business leaders.
The company that was founded in the City of Newburgh opted to move across
the Hudson River when expansion talks with Newburgh fell apart.
The 67-acre parcel, containing 244,000 square feet of warehouse and office space, was purchased for approximately $9.2 million; but, after rehabbing and renovations, represents a $17- $18 million investment on a previously vacant space.
Hudson Valley Lighting designs and manufactures designer lighting and has been based in the Hudson Valley for 80 years.
With partnership from various elected officials, the state and Think Dutchess Business Alliance, they’ve been able to repurpose the space, as well as to maintain 75 percent of their employee population from the county, out of 93 on-site employees.
Company founder and CEO David Littman said although they were scouted from many other states to build their company headquarters elsewhere, he was intent on staying in Dutchess County.
“This is where I grew up. This is my home,” said Littman. “I’ve always enjoyed it here. I like being here. I’m comfortable here. We have great employees here that are from this area that have been loyal to me for many, many, many years; so, we did everything in our power to stay. This facility was one of the best opportunities to be able to stay.”
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said this global headquarters for a major manufacturer represents more evidence of the burgeoning economy of the county.
“This is another example of the economic health of Dutchess County, and really, the partnership – the Think Dutchess Alliance’s partnership with Hudson Valley Lighting, to bring good quality jobs, and more to come, to renovate and transform a vacant 260,000 square foot space, and make into this beautiful opportunity for Hudson Valley Lighting to continue to grow and for the world to see their product born here, in Dutchess County,” said Molinaro.
Hudson Valley Lighting currently operates locations in Los Angeles, China and soon, the Netherlands. Since the opening of this facility, they have estimated a 30 percent growth in revenue and expect to continue growing into the future.
