By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – Rich Products will no longer make its trademark frozen, non-dairy products at the company's Buffalo plant. The decision is part of a restructuring announced Thursday that the company hopes will result in increased sales.
Rich's says it is transferring the manufacture of its frozen, non-dairy toppings and other items to newer plants elsewhere in the country. Company spokesman Peter Ciotta says the Buffalo plant will then focus on "high tech/high temp" beverages and desserts.
"This is an operation that we invested more than $10 million in three years ago," Ciotta said. "It's a business that we're very optimistic about."
Ciotta says further job cuts are likely at the Buffalo plant, though the exact number has yet to be determined. He said the company hopes to accomplish that through normal attrition and retirements.
In addition, Ciotta said 34 jobs will be immediately cut at its Buffalo headquarters.
"These are necessary decisions," Ciotta said. "They're decisions that were made with great care and concerns for any affected associates."
Rich's employs 1,300 people in Buffalo. The company was founded by Robert Rich Sr. in 1945. Mayor Anthony Masiello says he's been told by company officials that Rich's is committed to Buffalo.
"The fact of the matter is it's going to make the company stronger. They're always going to keep their functions here," Masiello said. "Like all businesses, and government too, everybody is re-examining their workforce, looking at ways to save money, so they can get stronger and better."
Ciotta says all the changes are part of a strategic plan to increase the company's annual sales to $3 billion.