Albany, NY (July 19, 2011)
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that Monro Services Corporation (d/b/a Monro Muffler Brake), a leading provider of automotive undercar repair and tire services, will retain and expand its centralized corporate offices and warehouse/distribution operations in the City of Rochester. The company will retain 190 employees and create at least 20 new jobs as a result of the $4.7 million private investment.
The project is the result of negotiations between the company, Empire State Development (ESD) and its partners, including the City of Rochester, Monroe County and Rochester Gas & Electric. An incentive offer includes a $400,000 capital grant from ESD, up to $370,000 from RG&E economic development programs, as well as property tax abatement and low cost financing from Monroe County and the City of Rochester.
"Monro Muffler is a true New York business success story," Governor Cuomo said. "Founded in Rochester, the company has leveraged Upstate's skilled workers and distribution access to grow and compete in the marketplace. With a footprint that extends from Maine to South Carolina and west to Missouri, I am thrilled that this company has chosen to expand in New York, generating new jobs for the local community."
Robert G. Gross, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Monro said, "We have a great affinity for Rochester, which has served as our home for more than 50 years, and are very proud to invest in our future in this great city. As we have built our Company to include more than 800 stores, we have outgrown our current Rochester headquarters and distribution facility. We are very pleased to collaborate with Empire State Development, the City of Rochester, Monroe County, Rochester Gas & Electric, Mayor Richards and Governor Cuomo, and appreciate their support of Monro. Their efforts will help to ensure that our operations in Rochester can sufficiently support our store base, allowing us to continue providing trusted service to our loyal customers."
Monro Muffler has outgrown the current office and distribution facilities in Rochester and, as such, the Company explored its options for additional space, which included relocating its headquarters and its warehouse to sites in several other states. Founded in Rochester in 1957, the publicly-traded company has more than 800 locations in 19 states with 5300 employees, and continues to grow by acquisition.
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams said, "By maintaining and expanding its operations in Rochester, Monro Muffler will continue to be a vital source of employment and economic opportunity for the local community. Working with our local partners and Monro, we put together a strong incentive package that will allow Monro to expand its headquarters and warehouse so it can continue to meet its customer needs in an efficient and cost-saving manner. We thank our partners for coming to the table to secure nearly 200 jobs and the company's presence in New York."
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks said, "With locations across the United States, Monro Muffler understands that companies have a choice in today's global economy. We are thrilled that they have chosen to expand their operations in Monroe County and are a proud partner in this job creation and retention effort."
Mayor Thomas S. Richards said, "Monro Muffler Brake has grown and prospered in Western New York for more than 50 years, so we are more than happy to support their expansion in Rochester. The cooperation between Empire State Development, Monroe County, Rochester Gas and Electric and the City, along with Monro's commitment to Rochester, retains 190 jobs in the area and brings 20 more, thus reinforcing Rochester's position as a great place to live and work."
Mark Lynch, President of NYSEG and RG&E said, "RG&E is pleased to offer assistance to help the expansion plans of Monro Muffler and not only keep, but grow jobs in Rochester.From September 2010 through December 2013, NYSEG and RG&E will invest nearly $40 million in economic development grants and rate incentives to businesses that want to expand in, or relocate to, upstate New York."
Monro Muffler Brake operates a chain of stores providing automotive undercar repair and tire services in the United States, operating under the brand names of Monro Muffler Brake and Service, Mr. Tire, Tread Quarters Discount Tires, Autotire and Tire Warehouse. The Company currently operates 801 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, Massachusetts, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Vermont, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maine, Illinois and Missouri. Monro's stores provide a full range of services for brake systems, steering and suspension systems, tires, exhaust systems and many vehicle maintenance services.
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency and administrator of the statewide business resource portal New York First (www.NYfirst.NY.gov). The mission of Empire State Development is to promote business investment and growth that leads to job creation and prosperous communities across New York State. ESD also oversees the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information on Empire State Development, visit www.esd.ny.gov.