Maplevale Farms, a trusted name in food distribution since 1951, is set to make a major investment in Chautauqua County with the construction of a new $41.4 million facility in Findley Lake.

At its June 24 meeting, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors approved a due diligence resolution to support the relocation of Maplevale’s operations from its current site in Falconer to a new 150,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse and distribution center along Route 426 in the Town of Mina.

The new facility will be ideally located near I-86 and within close reach of I-90, enabling expanded access to Maplevale’s customer base across the Northeast and Midwest.

The project will retain 213 existing jobs, create 23 new positions, and generate between 300 to 400 temporary construction jobs.

It also carries an estimated economic impact of $258 million.

“We’ve been committed to operating out of Chautauqua County for nearly 75 years and want to continue that commitment for years and decades to come,” said Keith Rogers, Chief Operating Officer of Maplevale Farms. “We very much appreciate the support from the CCIDA, Chautauqua County, and the Town of Mina and are excited to see this project move forward.”

To support the relocation, the CCIDA is proposing a series of incentives, including sales and mortgage tax abatements and a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement.

Final approval is expected in August.

“Maplevale had considered relocating across the Pennsylvania border,” noted CCIDA CEO Mark Geise, “but thanks to our partnership with the state and local officials, we’re proud to keep this major employer—and its growth—right here in Chautauqua County.”

Town of Mina officials and County Executive PJ Wendel echoed the economic benefits of the move, calling it a “win-win” for the company and the region.

Construction is expected to begin in fall 2025, with the facility set to open in early 2027.