FRANKLINVILLE — Sen. George Borrello and Assemblyman Joseph Giglio issued the following statement on Great Lakes Cheese company’s decision to locate their new facility in Franklinville, New York.

“Today’s announcement by Great Lakes Cheese (GLC) company represents a historic moment for this local employer, as well as for our region, residents and farmers. It is the culmination of months of negotiations and collaboration, as we all worked together towards our common goal of keeping this legacy company in the Southern Tier to ensure GLC’s employee owners and dairy suppliers could continue to be part of this exciting new chapter for the company.

“This project faced many hurdles that could have derailed it along the way. However, the Epprecht family was dedicated, as we were, to do everything possible to ensure the employees, families and farmers that rely on GLC could continue to thrive here. That ‘people first’ commitment sets GLC apart and is undoubtedly the key to their success.

“The new $500 million plant will create an additional 200 good-paying jobs that will be a game-changer for Cattaraugus County. As the planning and construction process goes forward, we will remain engaged to advise and assist wherever necessary. Our thanks go out to all those at the state and local levels we’ve worked with over these past few months to get to this extraordinary outcome. Together, we achieved a goal that will benefit this region for generations to come.”