According to the Orange County IDA, “The project will include the construction and redevelopment of the premises (36 Fini Drive) to be used as a modern manufacturing facility and administrative offices and the acquisition of machinery and equipment.…” The Orange County IDA has scheduled a public hearing on Balchem’s application for incentives on Thurs., July 17 at the Wallkill Town Hall at 3 p.m.

Officials with the Orange County Partnership stated that the proposed project is the result of approximately two years of discussions by the Goshen-based economic development organization and Balchem to retain its manufacturing operations in Orange County.

“The proposed Balchem investment is a critical step forward in our efforts to grow the advanced manufacturing sector in Orange County. Business retention and expansion is the backbone of economic development supporting our existing innovation ecosystem and is critical for sustainable economic growth. If advanced, this $36 million investment to construct a new facility in Orange County will bolster our position as a dynamic location for corporate investment,” said Conor Eckert, president & CEO of the Orange County Partnership.

The cost of acquiring the vacant 12.43-acre site is $3.9 million. According to its application with the IDA, building and construction is estimated to cost $17,864,850 and equipment costs have been put at $13,136,536. In its application to the IDA, Balchem stated that if it moves forward with its new Wallkill plant, its outdated Slate Hill plant will be repurposed to light break bulk and distribution activities but will not be abandoned.

The company stated the reasons behind its new project stem from its Slate Hill facility being outdated and inadequate for future growth. “Expansion and retrofitting of the facility are impractical and capital required for continued operation at current rates is prohibitive. Facility impediments have already led to the relocation of some production from Slate Hill to other Balchem facilities. A new Orange County facility would enable the company to retain existing personnel, possibly return relocated production back to New York, and will provide a location for potential pilot R&D capabilities,” Balchem stated in the IDA application.

Balchem is seeking to secure a sales tax exemption of $906,856 in connection with nearly $11.2 million in sales tax eligible costs. If the project moves forward, the company would retain 36 existing jobs in the county and add four positions within the first three years of operation. The company hopes to start construction by Aug. 31, 2025 with a completion date in 2026.

By John Jordan

Published: July 15, 2025