A Port Washington-based manufacturer is set to expand its business and keep 110 jobs from leaving Nassau County, according to state officials.
Long Island Fireproof Door Inc., also known as LIF industries Inc., decided not to move more than 100 jobs to Pennsylvania after receiving a grant from Empire State Development, state and company officials said.
“Our roots are here in New York, so we are glad ESD approved our application,” said Vincent Gallo, president of LIF Industries. “There is a lot of competition in the metropolitan New York area, so it is vital to the sustainability and growth of LIF that we constantly find ways to increase efficiency and capacity while effectively managing costs.”
The company is one of the largest manufacturers of custom hollow metal doors and frames and stocking distributors of hollow metal doors and frames, wood doors, and architectural finish hardware in North America, according to the company’s website.
Empire State Development awarded LIF industries for up to $500,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, officials said.
LIF industries will purchase a 40,000 square-foot building, across the street from its current 163,000 square-foot factory. The purchase will increase the space by 25 percent while also adding 21 jobs within five years, officials said.
The new facility will also help LIF expand its manufacturing capabilities, as it taps into new markets throughout the United States.
The company plans to invest $11 million in total to acquire and outfit the new facility.
Brothers Vincent and Joseph Gallo started LIF Industries Inc. in 1966.
The company now has annual sales of more than $50 million.
Its most notable products can be found at 7 World Trade Center in Manhattan, Terminal 4 at JFK Airport and Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago.
“Under Gov. Cuomo’s leadership, manufacturing continues to grow in New York, creating jobs and providing the backbone of regional economies,” said Howard Zemsky, president, CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development. “LIF Industries is part of a company that has been producing goods on Long Island for the past 80 years, and we are pleased to see them remain and expand here.”
Empire State Development is New York’s chief economic development agency and aims to promote a growing economy and encourage the creation of new job and economic opportunities, according to the corporation.
