A Falconer-based manufacturer is getting funding to make improvements to its existing rails.

During the recent Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency Board of Directors meeting, the board approved the Monofrax Track Expansion and Rehabilitation Project.

Rosemarie Strandburg with the county IDA told board members that back in 2023 Monofrax sought to apply for a state grant from the State Rail Assistance Program, however the company couldn’t apply directly. It needed a government agency and the county IDA agreed to help in the application process.

In early 2024, the county IDA learned that it was awarded $1,082,011 for the rail project.

“These funds will be used for the rehabilitation and expansion of their existing track. This will increase rail car access and reduce road traffic, which aligns with the state’s goals to to reduce emissions,” Strandburg said.

According to Strandburg, Monofrax averages 54 rail cars per year. She said this project will help them meet their need to support about 1,500 rail cars per year.

“This project will help increase productivity and efficiency at the plant and provide the means of growth which supports job retention and job creation,” she said.

IDA attorney Milian Tyler said the IDA was needed to accept the money from the state and also approve the environmental studies.

“It’s to refurbish an existing rail line so it’s not going to have a tremendous effect on the environment, other than more rail cars in,” he said.

Located on New York Avenue, Falconer, Monofrax, LLC was purchased in 2022 by Saint-Gobain Ceramics. Monofrax’s website goes by the name SEFPRO today. Monofrax offers a wide range of fused cast refractories, including AZS, high Zirconia, alumina and chrome products. Materials are used for glass melting, steel reheat, electrolytic reduction cells for smelting light metals, coal and black liquor gasification and nuclear waste vitrification. Monofrax has supplied its products to the glass industry worldwide.