Tesla is planning a new distribution facility in Newburgh, New York, that will service stores in New York City and the surrounding area. Lana Bellamy reports in the Times Union:
NEWBURGH — Tesla plans to open a regional distribution center in the town of Newburgh by the end of this year, promising to offer at the outset more than 100 new jobs at the facility off Route 300.
The Orange County Partnership, a nonprofit focused on attracting business development to Orange County, announced Tuesday that Tesla will move into a 927,000-square-foot facility recently built by New Jersey-based Matrix Development Group. The warehouse is one of two spaces Matrix built on speculation in the business park across from the Newburgh Mall since 2022. A Walgreens fulfillment center was being eyed for the other smaller warehouse. The location on the town’s busy business corridor was touted locally as a prime spot for distribution, given its proximity to Interstate 84, the Thruway and New York Stewart International Airport.
“The Tesla signing is yet another example of the value of speculative development, and exactly why we supported the approval of this robust business park,” Maureen Halahan, CEO of the Orange County Partnership, said in a statement. “Our market is strong — we will continue to support site development in the effort to attract more quality companies to Orange County.”
Halahan said Tesla plans to initially hire 150 workers, eventually ramping up to as many as 300.
The company’s work in Newburgh will focus strictly on distributing vehicle parts and will not involve manufacturing, Halahan said.
Tesla has been able to sell vehicles through several stores in New York City and Hudson Valley areas. For years, it has tried to expand its dealer network upstate. The company was able to find some workarounds to the state prohibitions on selling cars directly to consumers without going through a third-party franchise.
Orange County Executive Steve Neuahus said having Tesla in Orange County will be an advantage for the local workforce.
“Tesla is changing the automotive industry in America and abroad,” Neuhaus said in a statement. “Having a relationship with Tesla in Orange County can raise income levels for our area and create good jobs. It will also increase competition for our workforce and is another major name in the American economy choosing to come to Orange County.”
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