GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (News release) -- UFP Industries, Inc. announced its Deckorators® brand continues to expand market presence with the acquisition of a 30-acre site in Lackawanna, a suburb of Buffalo, New York.
The site will be transformed into a new, state-of-the-art facility that will double production capacity for Deckorators'® industry-leading Surestone® composite-decking product. The $77 million investment includes a 30-acre campus with approximately 240,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space and is part of a $250 million plan over the next five years to grow and expand the Deckorators® product line. Deckorators' Surestone technology decking stands apart from its peers that rely on traditional wood plastic composite (WPC), resulting in market expansion to 1,500 retail locations. The versatile technology also opens the door to new product innovations.
"Expanding into this region grows Deckorators' market reach and helps us meet the aggressive demand for our new Surestone product," said Will Schwartz, CEO of UFP Industries, Inc. "We had said at the start of this year that our focus will be on delivering quality products our customers value. This expansion--driven by customer demand--is proof positive of that commitment."
The announcement follows an expanded presence for Deckorators at the International Business Show last month that featured the brand's new Summit product and a multi-year marketing partnership designating Deckorators as the official decking and railing of the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions. The brand will also introduce new products later this year at DeckExpo.
"Our investment in this project reflects the strength of the Deckorators brand and our commitment to anticipating customer needs as demand for outdoor living products grows," said Landon Tarvin, president of UFP Retail Solutions. "This facility will initially double our Surestone production capacity, with space to continue expansion, and give us better proximity to key markets."
"We are proud to create good-paying jobs in a region of the U.S. known for its strong manufacturing history," said Ryan Kemp, the recently-named executive vice president of Deckorators. "The Erie County Industrial Development Association and the City of Lackawanna have been instrumental in making this project a reality for the community, and we want to thank them for their partnership."
Last week, Deckorators received approval from Erie County Industrial Development Association (ECIDA) for a tax incentive for the new facility--a sign of the local community's commitment to the project. Construction is slated to begin in April 2025 and be fully operational by the end of 2025. The facility will create around 60 jobs, including production support, logistics, and administrative roles.
"We are pleased to welcome Deckorators to Erie County," said Erie County Industrial Development Agency president and CEO John Cappellino. "Their new operation in Lackawanna make Deckorators a major contributor to improving economic growth in Western New York."
"The city of Lackawanna is honored that Deckorators has chosen 300 Commerce Drive as the location of its first New York State production facility," said Charles Clark, director of development for the city of Lackawanna. "This is a great project for Lackawanna, as it will bring new economic activity, investments and jobs to a well-known and re-emerging industrial area of our city."
Deckorators® has been a leader in the composite decking industry, known for its low-maintenance and durable decking solutions powered by Surestone® technology. The proprietary mineral- based technology provides superior heat resistance, slip resistance, and minimal thermal expansion, making it a top choice for homeowners and builders looking for long-lasting outdoor solutions.
