by Vitamix Labs
Published Tue, Nov 21st 2017, 14:47 | Health
A manufacturer of nutritional supplements plans to more than triple the size of its office and factory this summer to accommodate higher sales, officials said Thursday.
Vitamix Labs expects to move into 23,175 square feet of rented space at 69 Mall Dr. in Commack. It now occupies two suites, totaling 7,200 square feet, at 141 Central Ave. in Farmingdale. The $250,000 project will add 20 jobs over two years to the company's workforce of 11.
Vitamix Labs is the latest vitamin or nutritional supplement business on Long Island to announce plans for more workers, equipment and production. In the past few years, NBTY, Bio-Botanica and others have received governmental aid to expand here, instead of elsewhere.
Experts said the industry is one of the bright spots in manufacturing, which has declined precipitously since 1990. "This is the type of industry that we want to grow in Suffolk County," said Anthony Manetta, executive director of the county's industrial development agency.
The IDA last week agreed to provide Vitamix Labs with a $67,091 reduction in property taxes over five years and a $7,892 sales-tax exemption on the purchase of equipment and materials.
Company founder Michael W. Koschitz said Thursday the larger quarters would facilitate production of its new line of meal replacement and energy drinks, called Beverage Booster. Vitamix also will continue to turn out supplements for other companies.
"We've outgrown our space and need to move," said Koschitz, who started Vitamix Labs three years ago after working for another industry player on Long Island. "The help from Suffolk County will make it easier to get financing," he said.
"We're already in the process of hiring three more people.“
Employees, on average, earn $38,182 per year, records show.
Vitamix Labs was eligible for tax breaks under the IDA's Boost program, which targets small businesses in high-growth industries, such as biosciences, pharmaceuticals, green technology and information technology.
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